JP7136635B2 - Method for evaluating the suppressive effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline associated with workload - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline associated with workload, which is useful in designing food and drink products using green tea ingredients that are expected to suppress cognitive function decline associated with workload.

It has been reported that tea catechins contained in green tea are effective in preventing heart disease and cancer, and as the health effects of tea catechins become clearer, active intake of tea catechins is becoming widespread. Along with this trend, beverages with an increased content of tea catechins are on the market. In addition, due to the growing health consciousness, various functional ingredients contained in tea extracts such as catechins are in high demand as ingredients for health foods, supplements, and the like.

In recent years, age-related brain cognitive dysfunction has become a social problem as the population ages, and various studies have been conducted on foods, ingredients, and the like that are effective in preventing or improving cognitive dysfunction. In addition, attention has also been focused on the fact that cognitive functions such as memory and attention are temporarily reduced in young people due to stress and fatigue. Decline in human cognitive function can be diagnosed by cognitive tests (screening tests), and various cognitive tests have been proposed. Therefore, in evaluating cognitive function, an appropriate test is appropriately selected from known cognitive function tests according to the purpose of the test. Patent Document 1 proposes improving cognitive function using a composition containing docosahexaenoic acid, uridine, etc., and describes the use of a mini-mental state test as a standard test for evaluating cognitive ability. there is In addition, Patent Document 2 below describes various secondary measurements as tests for measuring improvement in mild cognitive impairment by administration of docosahexaenoic acid.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-534226 JP 2015-143248 A

Cognitive function tests include tests on a wide variety of items, and it is thought that more precise tests will be possible if tests are performed on many types of items. However, uniform inspection of many types of items requires time and effort, as well as labor. In addition, in studies of the efficacy of oral intake of food and drink, the period of intake tends to be long until efficacy is manifested. desired.

An object of the present invention is to provide an evaluation method that can efficiently evaluate the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline associated with workload, thereby suppressing temporary cognitive function decline by adding green tea components. It is to support the design and development of products with active ingredients.

In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors have conducted extensive research and found that the test period (ingestion period) required for the effects of green tea ingredients to manifest in cognitive function tests tends to vary depending on the test item. By focusing on and using this, it is possible to configure a simple test and efficiently evaluate the effect of suppressing cognitive function decline, and have completed the present invention.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the method for evaluating the suppressive effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline associated with workload includes at least one of the Stroop test, the facial expression recognition test, and the four-part sustained processing test in the Cognitrax test. is adopted as a predetermined evaluation test, the predetermined evaluation test is performed on a subject who has given a predetermined workload, the subject is given a sample containing green tea components for at least two weeks, and after ingesting the sample After subjecting the subject to the predetermined workload, the predetermined evaluation test is performed again, and the effect of suppressing cognitive function decline associated with the workload is evaluated by comparing the results of the predetermined evaluation test before and after ingestion of the sample. The gist is to evaluate.

The predetermined workload may be provided by performing the Uchida-Kraepelin psychometric test. Furthermore, the effect of suppressing cognitive function decline associated with workload may be evaluated by comparing the results of the Uchida-Kraepelin psychoanalysis before and after ingestion of the sample.

In the above evaluation method, the subject can be made to ingest the sample so that the intake of the green tea component is 2.0 g/day. The subject's age is preferably 20 to 50 years old. The subjects can be selected based on their scores obtained from the Cognitrax test. It is preferable to select subjects with a high number of errors in the Verbal Memory Test, Visual Memory Test, Stroop Test, and 4-part Sustained Processing Test of the Cognitrax test.

According to the evaluation method of the present application, it is possible to simply and efficiently evaluate the effectiveness of samples against cognitive function decline associated with workload, and support the design of products for suppressing cognitive function decline that contain green tea ingredients as active ingredients. , can promote development. As a result, excellent green tea component-containing products can be provided simply and at an appropriate cost.

It is known that even healthy young people with no impairment of cognitive function suffer cognitive decline due to stress and fatigue associated with workload. Cognitive function deterioration associated with such a workload reduces memory, attention, judgment, working memory, etc., and causes problems in work efficiency, so it is desired to suppress the deterioration of cognitive function.

Green tea leaves contain various components, and in addition to hydrophilic components that can be ingested as beverages, they also include lipophilic components obtained as extracts, and insoluble or sparingly soluble components such as fibers that make up tea leaves. be An enormous amount of basic research is required to clarify the action mechanism of a single component on cognitive function (mental function). Moreover, in the intake of green tea ingredients as food and drink, not only the ingredients that are currently expected to be effective, but also the various ingredients contained in green tea leaves as described above can have the effect of suppressing cognitive function decline. There is a possibility, and the effect by the combination of several ingredients is also considered. For this reason, it is reasonable to examine the cognitive function of subjects before and after ingestion of samples containing green tea components, and to determine the effectiveness of the samples based on the comparison of the results before and after ingestion. .

Providing the market with highly effective green tea-related foods is significant in terms of health and medical care. However, the quality of green tea leaves varies depending on the variety of tea leaves, cultivation method, plucking time, processing conditions, etc., and the component contents also vary. In addition, the absorption of the ingredients also differs depending on the intake form of the food and drink. Under these circumstances, it is essential to quickly evaluate the inhibitory effect on cognitive function decline in order to properly select raw materials and design products.

A diagnosis of cognitive function can be made by a cognitive function test (screening test), and various cognitive function tests have been proposed. Representative cognitive tests include the modified Hasegawa Simple Intelligence Rating Scale (HDS-R) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). In addition to these, MoCA-J (Japanese version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment), Mini-Cog, CANTAB VRM, PRM, SOC, SWM, DASC-21 (dementia assessment sheet in community integrated care system), Cognitrax ), etc.

Cognitive functions range from memory, judgment, orientation, language ability, and executive function. For this reason, the above-mentioned cognitive function tests include various test items related to letters, figures, colors, time, place, etc., and tests are conducted on thinking, reasoning, judgment, adaptation, problem solving, etc. be. The inventors of the present invention attempted to investigate the effect of green tea ingredients on suppressing cognitive function decline using cognitive function tests, and found that the period during which the effects of green tea ingredients were manifested tended to vary depending on the test items. That is, by selecting specific test items, it is possible to shorten the inspection period for determining the presence or absence of an effect.

In the present application, a specific test item is selected from the test items included in the cognitive function test, and the test subject is subjected to the cognitive function test for the selected test. This makes it possible to shorten the inspection period to about four weeks. Considering that, in general, a test period of several months to half a year, or even a year in some cases, can be set to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific ingredient through a cognitive function test, shortening the test period will improve product design. It is very useful to proceed. Therefore, the method for evaluating the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline in the present application can shorten the time required for product development by using it when designing products containing green tea components. That is, it is useful as a simple evaluation method to support product design. The method for evaluating the inhibitory effect of green tea components on the decline in cognitive function associated with workload will be specifically described below.

In the method for evaluating the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive decline, a specific test included in the Cognitrax test is used as a predetermined evaluation test for evaluation. Thus, specific tests of the Cognitrax Test are administered to subjects subjected to a workload to assess the subject's cognitive function that has been impaired by the workload. The Cognitrax test is a test developed by CNS Vital Signs in the United States based on existing cognitive function tests, and includes the following 10 types of tests. These tests can measure a wide range of functional areas, such as memory, attention, processing speed, and executive function. It is displayed by the normalized score calculated by comparing with the standard value.

1) Verbal Memory Test (VBM): A test of verbal learning, word memory and word recognition. Verbal memory function is measured by responses to finding previously displayed words from new word groups. Short-term memory and long-term memory are evaluated by testing immediately after memorization and after a certain period of time.
2) Visual Memory Test (VIM): A test of visual learning, geometric shape memory, and geometric shape recognition. Figure memory-cognitive function is measured by the response of finding previously displayed figures from a new group of figures. Short-term memory and long-term memory are evaluated by testing immediately after memorization and after a certain period of time.
3) Finger Tapping Test (FTT): A test related to motor speed and fine motor control. Measure the number of keystrokes with the index finger.
4) SDC test (Symbol Digit Coding): A test on information processing speed, complex attention, and visual perception speed. It measures the ability to respond with numbers corresponding to symbols based on a symbol-number correspondence table.
5) Stroop Test (ST): A test of executive function, speed of simple or complex reactions, compromise between speed and accuracy, speed of information processing, inhibition or disinhibition. Based on the meaning and color of the characters, the speed and accuracy of conditionally responding to displayed characters are measured.
6) Shifting Attention Test (SAT): A test of executive function, reaction speed, information processing speed, and speed-accuracy trade-offs. It measures the speed and accuracy of responding according to randomly varying conditions based on the shape and color of geometric figures.
7) Continuous Performance Test (CPT): A test of sustained attention, selective reaction speed, and impulsiveness. Measures long-term attention span in response to letter display.
8) Facial expression recognition test (POET: Perception of Emotions): test related to social recognition brain, emotional judgment, and choice reaction time. It measures judgments about the match between displayed facial expressions and emotions.
9) Logical thinking test (or non-verbal logical thinking test, NVRT: Non-Verbal Reasoning): Test related to theory construction, theory cognition, and recognition speed. From the three diagrams drawn in the three divisions, the diagram that should be included in one empty division is inferred, and the results are used to measure information comprehension, reasoning ability, and conceptual relationship recognition ability.
10) 4-Part Continuous Performance Test (FPCPT): A test of sustained attention and working memory. Measures simple reaction rate and long-lasting, memory of previously displayed figures in response to the presentation of figures.

After giving a work load and conducting a cognitive function test on the subject, having the subject ingest a sample containing green tea ingredients, and repeating the cognitive function test after the workload during the intake period. , to examine changes over time in subjects' cognitive function due to sample ingestion. In other words, it is possible to know the correlation between the intake period of the sample and the subject's cognitive function, and to measure the effect of suppressing cognitive function decline by ingesting the sample. Using each test of the Cognitrax test to examine changes in the cognitive function of subjects over time due to ingestion of samples, changes in cognitive function over time show different trends depending on the type of test. In other words, the ingestion period during which the cognitive function-improving effect of green tea components manifests itself differs depending on the type of test.

Among the 10 tests above, in the Stroop test, the facial expression recognition test, and the 4-part continuous processing test, it was possible to suppress the decline in cognitive function after taking it for about 2 weeks. is difficult. Thus, the choice of test to be performed affects the efficiency with which samples are evaluated with cognitive tests. It can be reflected in the design.

In the evaluation method of the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline in the present application, in order to efficiently evaluate samples through ingestion by subjects, the above-mentioned Cognitrax Stroop test, facial recognition test and At least one of a four-part sustained treatment test is employed. A plurality of tests may be selected as the predetermined evaluation test, and the more tests selected, the more materials for determining the effectiveness of the sample. After applying the workload, the subjects are subjected to a predetermined evaluation test, which evaluates the cognitive function that has been reduced by the workload. It should be noted that the above tests may be substituted by other tests with similar evaluation content, and replacement by existing tests or tests to be developed in the future is not excluded.

The workload to be given to the subject before performing a predetermined evaluation test may be any work related to cognitive function. For example, various tests and examinations that are generally used as aptitude tests and ability tests can be used, including SPI test, Tamatebako, CAB, GAB, SCOA, TAP, Uchida-Kraepelin Psychological Test, and the like. Alternatively, application software provided as a skill training game may be used.

As described above, the period of ingestion of the sample and the predetermined evaluation test are determined and the sample is provided to the subject, and the subject begins ingesting the sample containing the green tea component and ingests the sample over the period. Healthy non-elderly subjects are selected in advance as subjects who can evaluate the inhibitory effect on cognitive function decline. In order to eliminate cognitive impairment due to aging, the age of the subject should be 20 to 50 years old, preferably 25 years old or more and less than 35 years old, and preferably a worker with a stable lifestyle. When selecting subjects, it is preferable to perform screening by the Cognitrax test in advance and select subjects who have a relatively high number of incorrect answers. It is easy to evaluate the test results by selecting a person with a high total number of incorrect answers, incorrect responses, and overlooked correct answers in the verbal memory test, visual memory test, Stroop test, and four-part continuous processing test.

Regarding the ingestion of the sample, it is preferable to divide the subjects into a sample-administered group and a placebo-administered group, and conduct a control test by a single-blind method or a double-blind method. In that case, the number of subjects should generally be about 6 or more, preferably about 10 to 50. In addition, when distributing subjects, make sure that there is no difference between the sample administration group and the placebo administration group as much as possible in terms of age, gender, MMSE score, height, and average and standard deviation of body weight. is desirable.

Subjects selected according to the above are administered the sample or placebo for the sample intake period determined above. It is advisable to conduct a two-group parallel study so that differences in intake period (time) do not occur. Subjects are provided with a sample (or placebo) and allowed to consume under constant intake conditions for at least 4 weeks.

The content and ingestion conditions of the sample to be ingested by the subject can be appropriately set according to the design concept of the food and drink product. Therefore, samples are prepared based on the compositional content of the tea ingredients determined based on the product design. The sample provided to the subject is ingested under determined and constant ingestion conditions. The intake conditions include the number of intakes per day and the intake time period (morning/afternoon, morning/noon/night, relationship with meals), the amount of intake at one time and the amount of intake per day, and what can be taken at the same time ( water, etc.) are set. The size and content of the sample (ingredient composition) and the number of samples per ingestion are determined so that the subject can comfortably ingest the sample. In general, the intake conditions can be set so that the daily intake of green tea components (green tea extract, green tea leaf powder) is about 40 mg to 10 g. Normally, the intake condition should be set such that about 2 g of the green tea component is ingested per day. For example, the intake condition is set such that the daily intake of the green tea component is taken once in the morning. be able to. The sample should be prepared in a form that is easy to ingest based on the set ingestion conditions.

Samples can be prepared and provided in capsules or tablets such as tablets and pills. The tablets are preferably in a form such as sugar-coated tablets that can prevent taste discrimination of the contents. Capsules generally used for pharmaceuticals and the like may be used, and both hard capsules and soft capsules can be used. Hard capsules can be prepared, for example, by filling a sample into a capsule shell formed using gelatin, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, etc., and if necessary, adding pharmaceutically acceptable excipients into the capsule. may be added. A soft capsule is obtained by sandwiching a sample between sheets of gelatin to which a plasticizer such as glycerin has been added, followed by press molding. As excipients, solid ones generally used in pharmaceutical preparations may be used. Examples thereof include starches such as cornstarch, wheat flour and rice flour, sugars such as lactose, sucrose, mannitol, sorbitol and sucrose, dextrin, precipitated silica, gelatin, cellulose and methylcellulose. As for the placebo, instead of the green tea component, the excipient may be colored green with a coloring agent such as gardenia pigment. In addition, the sample and placebo may be blended with seasonings, fragrances, etc. within a pharmaceutically acceptable range so that the green tea components cannot be identified.

The green tea component blended into the sample when preparing the sample in the above form may be any of green tea leaves, green tea extract and extraction residue, powder, coarse particles, liquid, gel and viscous fluid liquid. It can be used in the form of A green tea component can be added to an excipient to form a sample, and the blending form and amount of the green tea component can be appropriately set according to the set ingestion conditions. Furthermore, if necessary, commonly used materials such as pharmaceutically acceptable additives may be added.

Components contained in green tea leaves include water-soluble components, hydrophobic (lipophilic) components, and insoluble or sparingly soluble components. Water-soluble components include catechins (catechin (C), gallocatechin (GC), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)), complex tannins. , flavonols, caffeine, complex polysaccharides, water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin B2 and vitamin _C , theanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, saponin, soluble dietary fiber (pectin), minerals, and the like. Lipophilic components include β-carotene, vitamin E, chlorophyll, etc., and insoluble or sparingly soluble components include insoluble dietary fiber, proteins, minerals, and the like. Covered tea grown in the shade has a high content of epigallocatechin gallate and theanine. Green tea components such as those described above contain many components that have antioxidant properties and are useful in suppressing aging, and catechins are reported to be useful in suppressing cancer and the like. The effects of caffeine and saponin on the central nervous system are also known.

Digestion and absorption of such green tea ingredients may vary depending on the conditions of ingestion. For example, lipophilic components are relatively easily absorbed in the coexistence of fats and oils, and decomposition of easily degradable components may be suppressed by fibers, fats, and the like that have encapsulation functions and film-forming properties. In other words, digestion and absorption at the time of ingestion differ depending on the state of green tea components in the prepared sample, which may affect the improvement of cognitive function. For example, powdered tea and tea extract may produce different effects. Therefore, consideration of the above points in sample preparation and analysis of evaluation results can help clarify the mechanism of action.

After ingestion of the sample (or placebo containing no green tea component) by the subject during the set intake period is completed, the subject after ingestion of the sample is given a workload and the predetermined evaluation test is performed again, and the evaluation test is performed. get the result of Then, by comparing the results of evaluation tests before and after ingestion of the sample, the presence or absence of an inhibitory effect on cognitive function decline associated with workload is determined. Based on this evaluation, the effectiveness of the green tea ingredients contained in the samples ingested by the subjects was evaluated, and based on this evaluation, direction was confirmed or changed in the design of products containing green tea ingredients for the purpose of suppressing cognitive decline. can proceed.

The endpoints in the 10 Cognitrax tests differ in their associated brain functions. In the Cognitrax test, the intake period during which the inhibitory effects of green tea components on cognitive function manifested tended to differ depending on the type of test. considered to be related to Thus, this is considered a unique property in the use of green tea ingredients. In the Stroop test, the facial recognition test, and the four-part continuous processing test, the effects of green tea ingredients can be evaluated by ingesting them for about two weeks. can shorten the test period.

The manifestation of the effects of green tea ingredients slightly differs depending on the sex and age of the subjects, and the tendency also differs depending on the evaluation test. Therefore, if there is a bias in the composition of subjects, it is advisable to take this point into consideration when selecting predetermined evaluation tests and evaluating test results.

Moreover, when aptitude tests or ability tests such as those described above are used as the workload, the results of such tests or tests can be used to evaluate cognitive function. In the aptitude test or ability test, if a change in ability due to work progress, such as a work curve, is obtained, it is possible to determine cognitive function deterioration due to workload based on this. Therefore, by comparing the results before and after ingestion of the sample, the effect of suppressing cognitive function decline can be evaluated.

When a green tea material such as matcha is used in the production of food or drink to be heated, the green tea component is thermally denatured. When a sample is prepared using such a product and supplied to a subject, the evaluation method of the present application can be applied to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the green tea component in the product on cognitive function decline. Therefore, it can be used as a means for evaluating the manufacturing conditions of products and improving the manufacturing process.

It has been found that when hormones released by stress act in the brain, cognitive function declines due to nerve cell damage and the like. There is also a report that people who are sensitive to stress have a 1.5-fold increase in the risk of developing dementia 30 years later due to the effects of stress such as work. Therefore, suppressing the decline in cognitive function associated with workload is an effective means of preventing the onset of dementia. In addition to supporting and facilitating design, it is important in achieving dementia prevention.

A randomized, double-blind, two-group, parallel-group comparison study was conducted as follows to evaluate the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive decline associated with workload.

<Preparation of samples and placebo>
As a green tea component, matcha (trade name: Hojin no Shiro, theanine content: 2.4% by mass, EGCG content: 5.3% by mass, total amount of 8 catechins: 8.4% by mass, caffeine content Amount: 3.5% by mass) was prepared. 2 g of matcha is added to 0.6 g of excipients (partially pregelatinized starch, dextrin, calcium stearate, fine silicon dioxide mixture) and mixed, and the mixture is evenly divided and filled into 9 gelatin capsules. Single serving samples were prepared by:
A single dose placebo was also prepared by adding gardenia pigment to 2 g of excipient (same as above) to give it a green color and filling it evenly into 9 gelatin capsules.

<Selection of subjects>
For 65 healthy male and female workers (aged 25 or over and under 35), 4 tests of Cognitrax verbal memory test, visual memory test, Stroop test and 4-part sustained processing test were performed as screening. Forty-two subjects were selected in descending order of the number of incorrect answers in the four tests, and selected as subjects for performing the following evaluation method. The number of incorrect answers in the four tests was the number of incorrect answers in the verbal memory test (immediate + delayed), the number of incorrect answers in the visual memory test (immediate + delayed), the number of incorrect responses in the Stroop test, and the number of incorrect responses in the four-part continuous processing test. It was calculated as the sum of the number of incorrect responses (sum of parts 1-4) and the number of correct overlooks (sum of parts 1-4). In addition, as the reaction time, the total of the reaction time in the Stroop test, the average correct response time (total of parts 1 to 4) and the average incorrect response time (total of parts 1 to 4) in the 4-part continuous processing test (unit: milliseconds) ) was calculated. For 42 subjects, height, weight, pulse and blood pressure were measured, subject background survey and interview were conducted. Furthermore, the 42 subjects were divided into two groups using mean age, sex ratio, and number of false responses in the Cognitrax test as allocation factors, and the sample group and the placebo group consisted of 21 subjects each. Based on this group composition, the following evaluation tests were performed by ITT (Intent To Treat) analysis. The composition of subjects in each group is described in Table 1.

<Evaluation inspection>
Subjects in the sample group and placebo group were subjected to the Uchida-Kraepelin psychometric test (15 minutes x 2 sets = 30 minutes) to give them a workload, and then 10 tests of the Cognitrax test (provided by CNS Vital Signs). to assess cognitive function. The contents of each test are as follows. Regarding the results of each test, the number of responses is shown as the average value ± standard deviation among subjects, and the reaction time is shown as the average value ± standard deviation among subjects calculated from the reaction time per response of the subject. In addition, before and after the workload and evaluation inspection, the following awareness survey is conducted.

[Visual memory test]
15 figures are displayed on the screen at a rate of one every 2 seconds, and then the previous figures are displayed together with the new 15 figures, and the previous figures are answered. Measure the number of correct answers for a predetermined number of tests (required time: about 3 minutes).

[Stroop test]
(1) Words (red, blue, and yellow) are randomly displayed in black, respond immediately after seeing the display, and measure the time required for a predetermined number of responses (simple reaction time [milliseconds]). (2) Words (red, blue, yellow, green) are displayed in random colors, and responses are made only when the colors used to display the words match the meaning of the word, or when the meanings do not match. The number of incorrect responses (Stroop false responses) is measured in a given number of tests (duration approximately 5 minutes).

[Attention shift test]
One figure (circle, triangle) is displayed at the top of the screen and two at the bottom (randomly colored red or blue). Select the same figure or the same color as the top display from the bottom and respond. . The number of correct and incorrect responses in a predetermined number of tests (required time is about 3 minutes) and the reaction time for correct responses (correct reaction time [milliseconds]) are measured.

[Facial recognition test]
A facial expression displayed on the screen responds positively or negatively to a match with the emotion displayed below. The reaction time [milliseconds] is measured in a test of 2 minutes. Calculate the number of correct responses and reaction time in each case of positive and negative responses, the total number of correct responses for both positive and negative responses, the average correct response time, the total number of correct oversights, and the total number of incorrect responses.

[Non-verbal reasoning test]
From the pictures displayed in 3 of the 4 sections of the screen, the picture that should be entered in the empty section is inferred, and the answer is selected from the options. Measure the number of correct and incorrect responses in the 3.5 minute test.

[4-part sustained processing test]
(1) Part 1: While characters are displayed randomly on the screen, immediately respond when a specific character is displayed, measure the response time [milliseconds] for the correct response, and calculate the average value. (2) Part 2: While the figures are displayed randomly on the screen, respond immediately when a specific figure is displayed, measure the response time for correct responses, and calculate the average value. (3) While the figures are displayed at random on the screen, respond immediately when the previous figure is displayed, measure the response time for the correct answer, and calculate the average value. (4) While the figures are displayed randomly on the screen, when the figure two before is displayed, respond immediately, measure the response time for the correct answer, and calculate the average value.

[Continuous processing test]
While characters are displayed randomly on the screen, respond immediately when a specific character is displayed, measure the number of incorrect responses in a predetermined test (required time is about 5 minutes), and calculate the average value.

[Verbal memory test]
15 words are displayed on the screen at a rate of 1 every 2 seconds, then the previous words are displayed along with the new 15 words, and the previous words are answered. Measure the number of correct answers for a predetermined number of tests (required time: about 3 minutes).

[Finger tapping test]
Tap the key with the index finger of the right hand for 10 seconds as fast as possible. Perform 3 times after 1 practice, and repeat the same work with the index finger of the left hand. The number of times the key is hit is measured, and the average value of three times is obtained.

[SDC test]
A table in which 8 symbols and 8 numbers are associated with each other is displayed on the upper part of the screen, and a table with 8 symbols and blanks is displayed on the lower part of the screen. According to the correspondence relationship in the upper table, measure the response time [milliseconds] in the task of filling in the blanks with the numbers corresponding to each symbol in the lower table, Examine the number of answers and reaction time.

(Awareness survey)
From each subject, the following nine questions were answered by the VAS (Visual Analog Scale) method [unit: mm] for 1) to 5) and 5 grades for 6) to 9). rice field.
1) Are you feeling tired?
2) Did you feel tired when you woke up?
3) Can you focus on things?
4) Can you think clearly?
5) Do you have energy (willingness to work on things)?
6) Are you very tired after even a little exercise or work?
7) Have you ever felt like you couldn't concentrate on something while working?
8) Have you ever felt that your thinking slowed down while working?
9) Was it difficult to think clearly in your work?

<Sample intake and efficacy evaluation>
The samples or placebo described above were provided to each subject in the sample group and placebo group, and 9 samples (or placebo) were taken once daily in the morning for 2 weeks. After this ingestion period, interviews, physical measurements, and vital signs were measured in the same manner as described above. The 10 tests were repeated to assess cognitive function. Evaluation is by t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. In addition, before and after the workload and the evaluation inspection, we conduct an awareness survey. Table 2 shows the results of the tests in which effects were recognized. In the table, "SCR" means "screening" and "ns" means "no significant difference".

In the results of the Cognitrax test, in the sample group, a tendency toward a decrease in reaction time in the Stroop test was observed, and a tendency toward an increase in the number of correct hits of positive responses in the facial expression recognition test was observed. A reduction in reaction time is seen in the 4-part sustained treatment test. No significant difference was obtained in other tests.

The tests shown in Table 2 are suitable for short-term sample evaluation, and the period of sample administration to subjects should be at least two weeks.

Regarding the results of the facial expression recognition test, the results shown in Table 3 are obtained when the evaluations in the sample group and the placebo group are classified according to gender. On the other hand, the Uchida-Kraepelin psychometric test, which was performed with the aim of giving a workload, can also evaluate the decline in cognitive function associated with workload. Therefore, when the results of the sample group and the placebo group in the Uchida-Kraepelin psychoanalysis are similarly divided by gender, the results shown in Table 4 are obtained.

In the classification by gender in Table 3, effectiveness is recognized in the evaluation in females. In contrast, the Uchida-Kraepelin psychoanalysis was found to be effective in evaluating men. These gender differences in efficacy suggest that green tea components act on cognitive functions related to physiological differences between genders.

In addition, the results of the finger tapping test, sustained processing test, facial expression recognition test, non-verbal reasoning test, and four-part sustained processing test of the Cognitrax test are shown in Table 5 by age group with 30 years of age as the boundary. Become.

According to Table 5, subjects under the age of 30 show efficacy in the continuous treatment test. On the other hand, in subjects aged 30 and over, effectiveness was observed in the finger tapping test, facial expression recognition test, non-verbal reasoning test, and four-part continuous processing test.

For this reason, specifying test items is significant in evaluating the effectiveness of green tea ingredients.

It is possible to support the design of products containing green tea ingredients as active ingredients, which are useful for suppressing cognitive function decline due to workload, and to promote product development, so that excellent green tea ingredient-containing products can be produced easily and at an appropriate cost. While providing, it can contribute to the prevention of dementia.

Claims (6)

At least one of the Stroop test, the facial expression recognition test, and the 4-part sustained processing test in the Cognitrax test is adopted as a predetermined evaluation test,
Before and after having the subject ingest a sample containing green tea components for at least two weeks, the predetermined evaluation test is performed after giving the subject a predetermined workload,
A method for evaluating the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline associated with workload, wherein the inhibitory effect on cognitive function decline associated with workload is evaluated by comparing the results of the predetermined evaluation test before and after ingestion of the sample. 2. The method for evaluating the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline associated with workload according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined workload is given by performing the Uchida-Kraepelin psychometric test. Furthermore, suppressing the cognitive function decline associated with workload according to claim 2, wherein the suppressive effect of cognitive function decline associated with workload is evaluated by comparing the results of the Uchida-Kraepelin psychometric test before and after ingestion of the sample. Efficacy evaluation method. Evaluation of the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline associated with workload according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the subject is allowed to ingest the sample so that the intake of the green tea component is 2.0 g/day. Method. The method for evaluating the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline associated with workload according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the age of the subject is 20 to 50 years old. 1. The subject is selected based on the score obtained by the Cognitrax test.
6. A method for evaluating the inhibitory effect of green tea components on cognitive function decline associated with workload according to any one of 1 to 5.