JP7143073B2 - Skin quality improving composition - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act On November 16, 2016, the website of Meiji Co., Ltd. (http://www.meiji.co.jp/corporate/pressrelease/2016/detail/20161116_01.html, http: http://www.meiji.co.jp/chocohealthlife/, http://www.meiji.co.jp/chocohealthlife/pdf/almondchocolate_161116.pdf)

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Published on page 17 of Sports Nippon issued on November 17, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Announced on page 19 of Daily Sports issued on November 17, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Published on page 21 of Nikkan Nippon published on November 17, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Announced on page 3 of Nikkan Gendai issued on November 18, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Announced on page 15 of the Yomiuri Shimbun morning edition published on November 29, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Announced on page 32 of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun morning edition published on November 29, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Announced on page 16 of the Chunichi Shimbun morning edition published on November 29, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Announced on page 9 of the Nishinippon Shimbun morning edition published on November 29, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Announced on page 18 of the Sankei Shimbun morning edition issued on November 29, 2016

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applied Published on page 18 of Sankei Sports issued on November 29, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Announced on page 31 of the Asahi Shimbun morning edition published on November 30, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Announced on page 10 of the Hokkaido Shimbun morning edition issued on November 30, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Announced on page 22 of the Yomiuri Shimbun morning edition published on December 6, 2016

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applied Published on page 5 of the Yomiuri Shimbun evening edition published on December 6, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Published in Weekly Women's December 20 issue (Volume 60, No. 49), pp. 148-149, published by Shufuto Seikatsusha Co., Ltd. on December 6, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Announced on page 18 of the Sankei Shimbun morning edition published on December 7, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Announced on page 16 of the Mainichi Shimbun morning edition published on December 8, 2016

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applied Published on page 13 of Sports Hochi (Hochi Shimbun) published on December 9, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Announced on page 3 of Sufuji Sankei Business i issued on December 13, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Published in the December 27th issue of Jyohijin, published by Kobunsha Co., Ltd. on December 13, 2016 (Volume 59, No. 46), pp. 150-151

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Announced on page 9 of the Asahi Shimbun evening edition published on December 14, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act Announced on page 12 of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun morning edition issued on December 17, 2016

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act The invitation letter for the “Explanation of Efforts Regarding Almonds as an Ingredient of Meiji and Presentation of Research Results on Health Effects of Almond-Containing Chocolate” sent by Meiji Co., Ltd. on November 8, 2016 (Reply form All 3 pages including

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act On November 16, 2016, at the Tokyo International Forum (Chuo-ku, Tokyo), an explanation of initiatives related to almonds as a material of the Meiji Era and a presentation of research results on the health benefits of chocolate containing almonds was held. Meeting” (Media Seminar)

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Announced on page 17 of the Mainichi Shimbun morning edition published on November 30, 2016

The present invention relates to a composition for improving skin quality, in particular to a composition for improving skin quality comprising cocoa mass and almonds.

Cacao beans are the seeds of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), and contain protein and lipid as amino acid sources and energy sources necessary for germination, and abundantly contain dietary fiber as a cell wall structural substance. They are also contained in cocoa mass, a food raw material prepared from cocoa beans. Cocoa mass contains indigestible protein as well as resistant protein, which is a protein-containing component that forms a complex with other components to make it indigestible. has become clear (Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, regarding cocoa prepared by separating cocoa butter from cocoa mass, it has been reported that the intake of high-concentration polyphenol cocoa improved the quality of the skin surface (Non-Patent Document 1).

Almonds (almond nuts) are the kernels in the seeds of almonds (Prunus dulcis, P. amygdalus, Amygdalus communis, A. dulcis), and are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and dietary fiber. contains. Regarding almonds, findings on the skin and findings on the intestinal environment have also been reported (Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3). However, detailed knowledge about the combination of cacao mass and almonds has not been obtained.

Japanese Patent No. 5626817 Patent application 2016-184906

The Journal of Nutrition, Vol.136, No.6, p.1565-1569 (2006) FOOD Style21, Vol.11, No.12, p.98-102 (2007) Anaerobe, Vol.26, p.1-6 (2014)

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel skin quality improving composition and skin quality improving agent.

The present inventors have found that an oil-processed composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds improves human skin quality. The present invention is based on this finding.

According to the present invention, the following inventions are provided.
[1] A composition and skin quality improving agent for improving skin quality, comprising cacao mass and almonds.
[2] The composition and skin quality improving agent according to [1] above, comprising a daily intake of cocoa bean-derived luminacoid and almond-derived luminacoid effective for improving skin quality.
[3] The composition and skin quality improving agent according to [1] or [2] above, comprising 0.6 g or more of cacao bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids as a total amount of luminacoids.
[4] The composition and skin according to any one of the above [1] to [3], wherein 0.6 to 17 g (total amount of luminacoids) of cacao bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids are ingested per day. Quality improver.
[5] The composition and skin quality improving agent according to any one of the above [1] to [4], further comprising cacao bean-derived polyphenols.
[6] The composition and skin quality improving agent according to [5] above, comprising a daily intake of cocoa bean-derived polyphenols effective for improving skin quality.
[7] The composition and skin quality improving agent according to the above [5] or [6], comprising 180 mg or more of cacao bean-derived polyphenol.
[8] The composition and skin quality improving agent according to [5] to [7] above, wherein 180 to 2500 mg of cacao bean-derived polyphenol is ingested per day.
[9] The composition and the skin quality improving agent according to any one of [1] to [8], which are packaged for each effective daily intake.
[10] The composition and skin quality improving agent according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the cocoa bean-derived luminacoid and the almond-derived luminacoid are ingested for 4 weeks or longer.
[10-1] The composition according to any one of the above [1] to [10], wherein the cocoa bean-derived luminacoid and the almond-derived luminacoid are ingested at 0.6 to 17 g (total luminacoid amount) per day for 4 weeks or more. products and skin improvers.
[11] The composition and skin quality improving agent according to any one of the above [1] to [10] and [10-1], which are in the form of a fat-processed composition.
[12] A method for improving skin quality, comprising ingesting cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids in a daily intake effective for improving skin quality for 4 weeks or more (however, medical practice for humans except for).
[13] The method for improving skin quality according to [12] above, which comprises ingesting cacao bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids in an amount of 0.6 to 17 g (total luminacoid amount) per day for 4 weeks or more. .
[14] The method for improving skin quality according to the above [12] or [13], further comprising cocoa bean-derived polyphenol.
[15] The method for improving skin quality according to any one of the above [12] to [14], comprising ingesting 180 to 2500 mg of cocoa bean-derived polyphenols per day.
[16] The method for improving skin quality according to any one of the above [12] to [15], comprising ingesting the cocoa bean-derived luminacoid and the almond-derived luminacoid in the form of a processed oil composition.

Since the skin quality-improving agent and the composition for improving skin quality of the present invention use cacao beans and almonds that have been used as food raw materials for many years, they do not cause side effects even when taken for a long period of time. It is advantageous in that it is small and has high safety.

1 shows changes in the degree of multiple detachment (forearm) in Test Example 1. FIG. 4 shows changes in blood TARC concentration in Test Example 1. FIG. 1 shows changes in skin tone questionnaire survey in Test Example 1. FIG. 2 shows changes in defecation frequency (times/week) in Test Example 1. FIG. 1 shows changes in defecation days (days/week) in Test Example 1. FIG. 4 shows changes in subjective symptoms of skin conditions in Test Example 2. FIG. Fig. 2 shows changes in transepidermal water loss in dry-skin test subjects in Test Example 2; Fig. 2 shows changes in stratum corneum water content of dry skin test subjects in Test Example 2; 2 shows changes in defecation frequency (times/week) in Test Example 2. FIG. 2 shows changes in defecation days (days/week) in Test Example 2. FIG. 2 shows changes in stool volume in Test Example 2. FIG. 2 shows changes in subjective symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions in Test Example 2. FIG.

In the present invention, "cacao bean-derived luminacoids" means luminacoids contained in cacao, that is, cacao-derived luminacoids. Therefore, typically, cacao luminacoids extracted (including crude extraction) or purified (including crude purification) from cacao plants or processed products thereof can be used as the active ingredient of the present invention.

In the present invention, "almond-derived luminacoid" means luminacoid contained in almonds, that is, almond-derived luminacoid. Therefore, typically, almond luminacoid extracted (including crude extraction) or purified (including crude purification) from almond plants or processed products thereof can be used as the active ingredient of the present invention.

Luminacoid is a general term for all food ingredients that reach the large intestine without being digested and absorbed in the small intestine, and is classified into non-starch luminacoid and starch luminacoid. Non-starch luminacoids are classified into indigestible proteins (resistant proteins), dietary fibers, oligosaccharides, sugar alcohols, and others. Dietary fiber is classified into lignin and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides include vegetable polysaccharides, animal polysaccharides, microbial polysaccharides, and chemically modified polysaccharides. Starchy luminacoids include resistant starch and resistant dextrin. Luminacoids derived from cocoa beans or luminacoids derived from almonds include indigestible proteins and dietary fibers.

In the present invention, "cocoa bean-derived polyphenols" means polyphenols contained in cacao, that is, cacao-derived polyphenols. Therefore, typically, cacao polyphenols extracted (including crude extraction) or purified (including crude purification) from cacao plants or processed products thereof can be used as active ingredients of the present invention. Some or all of the polyphenols prepared by synthetic methods may be used as cocoa polyphenols. Examples of cacao polyphenols include monomers such as catechin, epicatechin, and clobamide, and oligomers (dimers or higher) such as procyanidins and tannins obtained by polymerizing catechins and the like.

A polyphenol refers to a compound having a structure in which two or more hydroxyl groups are attached to a benzene ring. Polyphenols are classified into simple phenols, flavonoids, hydrolyzed tannins, and condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins).

In the present invention, polyphenols derived from natural products can be used in addition to synthetic products. For example, seeds such as cocoa beans, almonds, soybeans, tea leaves, grapes, lemons, coffee, and purple potatoes Polyphenols derived from such as can be used. A composition for improving skin quality and skin quality improvement of the present invention, using the juice of fruits, vegetables, seeds, plants, etc. containing a large amount of these polyphenols, their extracts, or their processed products as polyphenols. can be added to the drug.

In the present invention, cacao plant bodies or processed products thereof that can be raw materials for cocoa bean-derived luminacoids or cocoa bean-derived polyphenols include cacao bark, cocoa leaves, cocoa beans, cocoa shells, cocoa mass, defatted cocoa mass, cocoa powder, etc. Various parts of the body or processed cocoa beans can be mentioned. Cocoa mass is ground cocoa beans, and defatted cocoa mass can be obtained by removing fats and oils from cocoa mass. The method for removing fats and oils is not particularly limited, and can be carried out according to a known method such as pressing. Cocoa powder is obtained by grinding defatted cocoa mass. When cacao plants or their processed products are used as raw materials for extraction, it is preferable to use cacao mass or cocoa powder that has been subjected to atomization treatment such as grinding or pulverization from the viewpoint of extraction efficiency. Incidentally, the cacao plant can include things other than the cacao plant either unintentionally or unintentionally. In addition, even when the cacao plant body or its processed product is used as a raw material for extraction, substances other than the cacao plant body can be included unintentionally or unintentionally. In addition, cocoa mass and cocoa powder may also unintentionally or unintentionally include non-cocoa plants.

In the present invention, almond plant bodies or processed products thereof that can be raw materials for almond-derived luminacoids include almond bark, almond leaves, almond shells, almonds (almond nuts), almond paste, almond powder (almond poodle), etc. Various parts or almond processed products can be mentioned. Processed products of almonds (almond nuts) may be dry or steam-heated almonds (almond nuts), dry-roasted, candy-grilled, oil-roasted or fried. In addition, almond plants can include things other than almond plants unintentionally or unintentionally. In addition, even when the almond plant body or its processed product is used as a raw material for extraction, substances other than the almond plant body can be included unintentionally or unintentionally. In addition, almonds (almond nuts), almond paste, and almond powder (almond poodles) may unintentionally or unintentionally contain non-cocoa plants.

Extraction methods using cacao or almond plants or processed products thereof as raw materials are known, and according to the descriptions of JP-A-2009-183229 and JP-A-2011-93807, cocoa bean-derived luminacoid-containing compositions, almond-derived Luminacoid-containing compositions or cocoa bean-derived polyphenol-containing compositions can be prepared. The extraction solvent is not particularly limited, but for the cocoa bean-derived luminacoid-containing composition or the almond-derived luminacoid-containing composition, it is preferable to use water or an alkaline aqueous solution, and for the cocoa bean-derived polyphenol-containing composition, water Alternatively, it is preferable to use an alcohol such as ethanol. In addition, known methods such as synthetic adsorbents, ion exchange resins, ultrafiltration, and activated clay treatment can be used for the purification method using cacao or almond plants or their processed products as raw materials, and are not particularly limited. not something.

In the present invention, cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids can be contained at a weight ratio of 2% or more in the solid content, preferably 2 to 90% by mass, more preferably 2 to 50% by mass, and even more preferably 3 to 35% by weight, more preferably 5 to 21% by weight.

In the present invention, the content of cacao bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids (total luminacoid content) is determined from the indigestible protein content and the dietary fiber content.

The indigestible protein content can be quantified by the Kjeldahl method (official method for protein quantification) after extraction by the indigestible protein extraction method described in the Examples.

Dietary fiber content can be quantified by the enzyme-gravimetric method (official method by AOAC International) described in the Examples.

In the present invention, the content of cacao bean-derived polyphenols (total amount of polyphenols) can be measured by the Prussian blue colorimetric method. For example, according to the method described in Martin L. Price and Larry G. Butler, J. Agric Food Chem., Vol. 25, No. 6, 1268-1273, 1977, commercially available epicatechin can be calculated as a standard substance. can.

In the present invention, cocoa bean-derived polyphenols and almond-derived polyphenols can contain 8% by mass or more of 1 to 4-mer polyphenols relative to the total amount of polyphenols (total mass of polyphenols), preferably 8 to 50% by mass, More preferably 8 to 30% by mass, still more preferably 8 to 20% by mass, still more preferably 8 to 15% by mass, particularly preferably 8 to 12% by mass, even more preferably 10 to 12% by mass or more can.

Since cacao bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids can be prepared using cacao or almond plant bodies as raw materials, the composition and skin quality-improving agent for improving skin quality of the present invention are cocoa bean-derived luminacoids. , may contain components derived from cocoa beans or components derived from almonds other than almond-derived luminacoids. Such ingredients include polyphenols, vitamins ₍ e.g., vitamin E, vitamin B2, etc.), fatty acids (e.g., oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, etc.), lipids (e.g., glucosylceramide, limonene, etc.). , theobromine, caffeine, amino acids, peptides, and the like. Preferably, cocoa bean-derived polyphenols shown in the examples below may be included. In addition, the composition for improving skin quality and the skin quality improving agent of the present invention may contain a component not derived from cacao beans or a component not derived from almonds.

As shown in the examples below, a composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids has the effect of improving skin quality. Therefore, a composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids can be used as a skin quality improving agent and in a skin quality improving method. A composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids can also be used as a composition for improving skin quality.

In addition, the composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds of the present invention may further comprise cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, as well as cocoa bean-derived polyphenols. As shown in the examples below, a composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids, almond-derived luminacoids and cocoa bean-derived polyphenols has the effect of improving skin quality. Therefore, a composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids, almond-derived luminacoids and cocoa bean-derived polyphenols can be used as a skin quality improving agent and in a skin quality improving method. can be done. A composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids, almond-derived luminacoids and cocoa bean-derived polyphenols can also be used as a composition for improving skin quality.

Here, "improvement of skin quality" means improvement of skin stratum corneum water content, improvement of skin turnover, improvement of skin inflammation and/or improvement of subjective symptoms related to skin.

The degree of improvement in the stratum corneum moisture content can be evaluated using, for example, the stratum corneum moisture content measured by a corneometer as an index. Specifically, when the stratum corneum moisture content of the skin after ingestion or administration of the composition comprising cacao mass and almonds exceeds the stratum corneum moisture content before ingestion or administration, it is preferably about 1.05 times or more. more preferably about 1.1 times or more, even more preferably about 1.15 times or more, still more preferably 1.2 times or more, particularly preferably 1.25 times or more, even more particularly Preferably, when it is 1.3 times or more, it can be determined that the water content of the stratum corneum of the skin has improved, that is, the skin quality has improved.

The degree of improvement in skin turnover can be measured using, for example, the degree of multiple stripping by the tape stripping method (a method of peeling off the outermost stratum corneum before it becomes dirt with an adhesive tape and measuring its condition). can be evaluated as Specifically, when the rate of multiple exfoliation after ingestion or administration of a composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds is less than the rate of multiple exfoliation before ingestion or administration, it is preferably about 0.95 times or less. more preferably about 0.9 times or less, even more preferably about 0.85 times or less, still more preferably 0.8 times or less, particularly preferably 0.75 times or less, and even more preferably When it is 0.7 times or less, it can be determined that the skin turnover is improved, that is, the skin quality is improved.

The degree of improvement in skin inflammation can be evaluated using, for example, the blood TARC (Thymus and Activation-Regulated Chemokine) concentration as an index. Specifically, when the blood TARC concentration after ingestion or administration of a composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds is lower than the blood TARC concentration before ingestion or administration, it is preferably about 0.95 times or less. more preferably about 0.9 times or less, even more preferably about 0.85 times or less, still more preferably 0.8 times or less, particularly preferably 0.75 times or less, and even more preferably When it is 0.7 times or less, it can be determined that the inflammation of the skin is improved, that is, the skin quality is improved.

The degree of improvement in subjective symptoms related to the skin is, for example, subjective symptoms related to the skin, with items of "very bad", "normal", and "very good" as a guide, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to score the subjective symptoms. A questionnaire can be used as an index for evaluation. Specifically, when the score after ingestion or administration of the composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds exceeds the score before ingestion or administration, preferably about 1.05 times or more more preferably about 1.1 times or more, even more preferably about 1.15 times or more, still more preferably 1.2 times or more, particularly preferably 1.25 times or more, even more preferably 1 .3 times or more, it can be determined that the subjective symptoms related to the skin are improved, that is, the skin quality is improved.

The method for improving skin quality of the present invention is carried out by ingesting or administering to humans or non-human animals a composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds, containing effective amounts of cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids. can do. In addition, the composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds of the present invention may further comprise cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, as well as cocoa bean-derived polyphenols.

It should be noted that the use of the composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds in the present invention may be use in humans and non-human animals and samples derived therefrom, and both therapeutic and non-therapeutic use are intended. be done. Here, "non-therapeutic" means not including acts of surgery, treatment or diagnosis of humans (that is, medical acts on humans). It is meant not to include methods of performing surgery, therapy or diagnosis on humans.

In the present invention, cacao bean-derived cocoa bean-derived Compositions comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids can be used. In addition, the composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds of the present invention may further comprise cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, as well as cocoa bean-derived polyphenols.

The composition and skin quality improving agent for improving skin quality of the present invention, as well as the therapeutic agent and preventive agent of the present invention, can be provided in the form of pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, food and drink, feed, and the like. can be carried out according to the description of In addition, the method for improving skin quality of the present invention and the method for treatment and prevention of the present invention can be carried out according to the description below.

Compositions comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids of the present invention can be administered orally to humans and non-human animals. Oral preparations include granules, powders, tablets (including sugar-coated tablets), pills, capsules, syrups, emulsions and suspensions. These formulations can be formulated using a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier by a method commonly practiced in the art. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include excipients, binders, diluents, additives, perfumes, buffers, thickeners, colorants, stabilizers, emulsifiers, dispersants, suspending agents, preservatives, etc. is mentioned. The composition comprising cacao mass and almonds of the present invention may further comprise cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, and cocoa bean-derived polyphenols.

The composition comprising cacao mass and almonds containing the cacao bean-derived luminacoid and almond-derived luminacoid of the present invention can be administered to humans and non-human animals through administration other than oral administration such as tube administration, nasal tube administration, and suppositories. can also be administered depending on the form of the composition and skin quality improving agent for improving skin quality of the present invention. For example, a viscous liquid composition containing cocoa mass and almonds or a semi-solid composition containing cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids cannot be ingested or administered orally. It can also be administered to humans and non-human animals. The viscous liquid composition containing cocoa mass and almonds or the semi-solid composition containing cocoa mass and almonds of the present invention contains cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, and further contains cocoa bean-derived polyphenols. good too.

Compositions comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing the cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids of the present invention can be orally ingested by humans and non-human animals. In addition, the composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds of the present invention may further comprise cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, as well as cocoa bean-derived polyphenols. Here, when the composition is orally ingested, the cocoa bean-derived luminacoid, the almond-derived luminacoid, and the cocoa bean-derived polyphenol are isolated, purified, or partially purified. It may be in the form of a food or a raw material for food containing cocoa bean-derived polyphenol in addition to almond-derived luminacoid. The composition containing cacao mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids can be arbitrarily selected from room temperature, warm, cold, etc., when orally ingested by humans and non-human animals. can be done.

When a composition comprising cacao mass and almonds containing the cacao bean-derived luminacoid and almond-derived luminacoid of the present invention is provided as a food, the cocoa bean-derived luminacoid and the almond-derived luminacoid can be directly contained in the food. , the food is a food containing an effective amount of cocoa bean-derived luminacoid and almond-derived luminacoid. Here, "containing an effective amount" of cacao bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids means that when ingesting amounts normally consumed in individual foods, cacao bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids are contained within the range described later. Refers to the content as ingested. In addition, when the composition comprising cacao mass and almonds of the present invention is provided as a food, it may be provided as a food containing an effective amount of cocoa bean-derived luminacoid and almond-derived luminacoid, as well as cocoa bean-derived polyphenol. . Here, "food" means health food, functional food, food with health claims (e.g., food for specified health use, food with nutrient function claims, food with function claims), food for special dietary uses (e.g., infant food, food for pregnant women, It is used in the sense of including food for sick people. The form of the "food" is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a beverage form, a semi-liquid or gel form, or a solid form.

The composition containing cacao mass and almonds containing the cacao bean-derived luminacoid and the almond-derived luminacoid of the present invention has the effect of improving the skin quality, so it is included in foods that are ingested daily and foods that are ingested as supplements. can be provided. The composition comprising cacao mass and almonds of the present invention may further comprise cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, and cocoa bean-derived polyphenols. The food provided by the present invention is not particularly limited in its form or shape, but preferably includes a food containing cacao beans and almonds as main raw materials, more preferably a processed oil composition, and even more preferably. is a viscous liquid cocoa beverage containing cocoa mass and almonds, a gel paste containing cocoa mass and almonds, and chocolate containing cocoa mass and almonds, more preferably chocolate containing cocoa mass and almonds. Cocoa beverages and chocolates do not necessarily have to meet the standards for chocolates or chocolate products specified in the Fair Competition Code concerning labeling of chocolates.

Raw materials for foods and supplements that use cocoa beans and almonds as main raw materials include cocoa beans, cocoa mass, cocoa powder, almonds (including sliced, crushed, etc.), almond paste, almond powder (almond poodle), sugars, and wheat flour. In addition to cereal powders such as, whole milk powder, skimmed milk powder, high-fat powdered milk and other powdered milk, emulsifiers, spices, pigments, various starches, nuts, dairy products such as cheese powder, shortening, dried fruits, Animal and vegetable oils and fats can be used. Examples of sugars include monosaccharides and disaccharides such as sucrose (sugar, powdered sugar), glucose, fructose, maltose, invert sugar and lactose, polysaccharides such as dextrin and oligosaccharide, and starch syrup. Furthermore, a high-intensity sweetener such as sucralose may be added. Emulsifiers include lecithin, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, glycerin fatty acid ester, organic acid monoglyceride, sorbitan fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, propylene glycol fatty acid ester, polyglycerin condensed ricinoleic acid ester, and the like. Animal and vegetable oils and fats include non-tempered and tempered natural oils and fats. Non-tempered fats and oils are fats and oils whose crystalline form becomes metastable (β' type) or stable (β type) by simply cooling without temperature control (tempering). Examples include soft fat oils (non-tempered fats and oils obtained by fractionating monkey fat by melting point), palm kernel oil, and hydrogenated hardened oils. Temper-type oils and fats are oils and fats whose crystalline form does not become stable (β-type) unless the temperature is controlled. Unlike oils, palmitic acid and oleic acid glycerol ester are the main components, and vegetable oils such as palm oil (also called middle melting point fractionated oil), sal fat, and shea butter can be mentioned.

As described above, in order to efficiently ingest a composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, concentrated cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids are used in the present invention. can do. In addition, the concentrated cocoa bean-derived luminacoid may further contain cocoa bean-derived polyphenols. Therefore, foods and supplements based on cocoa beans and almonds, for example, preferably contain high concentrations of cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, more preferably high concentrations of cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids. More preferably, a viscous liquid cocoa drink containing cacao mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids at high concentrations, a gel paste containing cacao and almonds, and chocolate containing cocoa mass and almonds, more preferably chocolate containing cocoa mass and almonds containing a high concentration of cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids. Foods and supplements containing cocoa beans and almonds as main raw materials may further contain cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, as well as cocoa bean-derived polyphenols.

Here, the content (total amount) of cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids in foods and supplements is not particularly limited as long as the cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids can be ingested. From the viewpoint of efficient intake of luminacoids derived from almonds and luminacoids derived from almonds, the content in the processed fat composition can be, for example, 2 to 90% by mass, preferably 2 to 50%, based on the solid content of the composition. % by mass, more preferably 3 to 35% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 21% by mass.

In addition, the content of cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids in foods and supplements (total amount of luminacoids) is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to ingest cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, but cacao From the viewpoint of efficient intake of bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, the content in the oil-and-fat processed composition is preferably 0.6 to 17 g, more preferably 0.9 per 33 g of the solid content of the composition. ~12 g, more preferably 1.6 to 7.0 g.

Here, the content (total amount) of cacao bean-derived dietary fiber and almond-derived dietary fiber in foods and supplements is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to ingest cacao bean-derived dietary fiber and almond-derived dietary fiber. However, from the viewpoint of efficient ingestion of cacao bean-derived dietary fiber and almond-derived dietary fiber, the content in the oil-fat processed composition may be, for example, 1 to 40% by mass based on the solid content of the composition. , preferably 1 to 28% by mass, more preferably 2 to 20% by mass, and still more preferably 4 to 16% by mass.

In addition, the content (total amount) of cacao bean-derived dietary fiber and almond-derived dietary fiber in foods and supplements is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to ingest cacao bean-derived dietary fiber and almond-derived dietary fiber. , From the viewpoint of efficient ingestion of cacao bean-derived dietary fiber and almond-derived dietary fiber, the content in the oil-fat processed composition is preferably 0.3 to 9.5 g per 33 g of the solid content of the composition, More preferably 0.6 to 7.0 g, still more preferably 1.3 to 5.3 g.

Here, the content (total amount) of the cocoa bean-derived indigestible protein and the almond-derived indigestible protein in the food and the supplement is determined so that the cocoa bean-derived indigestible protein and the almond-derived indigestible protein can be ingested. Although it is not particularly limited as long as it is, from the viewpoint of efficient intake of cocoa bean-derived indigestible protein and almond-derived indigestible protein, the content in the oil and fat processed composition is per solid content of the composition, For example, it can be 0.5 to 15% by mass, preferably 0.5 to 12% by mass, more preferably 0.8 to 10% by mass, still more preferably 1 to 7% by mass.

In addition, the content (total amount) of cocoa bean-derived indigestible protein and almond-derived indigestible protein in foods and supplements is as long as it is possible to ingest cocoa bean-derived indigestible protein and almond-derived indigestible protein. Although not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of efficient intake of cocoa bean-derived indigestible protein and almond-derived indigestible protein, the content in the oil-and-fat processed composition is per 33 g of the solid content of the composition, For example, it is preferably 0.1 to 4.0 g, more preferably 0.2 to 3.5 g, still more preferably 0.3 to 2.5 g.

Here, the content of cocoa bean-derived polyphenols and almond-derived polyphenols in foods and supplements (total polyphenol content) is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to ingest cocoa bean-derived polyphenols and almond-derived polyphenols. From the viewpoint of efficient intake of cocoa bean-derived polyphenols and almond-derived polyphenols, the content in the oil-and-fat processed composition can be, for example, 0.5 to 10% by mass based on the solid content of the composition, and is preferable. is 0.6 to 7 mass %, more preferably 0.7 to 5 mass %, still more preferably 0.8 to 3 mass %.

In addition, the content of cocoa bean-derived polyphenols and almond-derived polyphenols in foods and supplements (total polyphenol content) is not particularly limited as long as cocoa bean-derived polyphenols and almond-derived polyphenols can be ingested, but cacao From the viewpoint of efficient ingestion of bean-derived polyphenols and almond-derived polyphenols, the content in the oil-and-fat composition is preferably 180 to 2500 mg, more preferably 200 to 1700 mg, per 33 g of the solid content of the composition. Preferably it is 250-1000 mg.

Foods provided by the present invention are not only foods made mainly from cocoa beans and almonds, but also foods that can contain cocoa bean-derived luminacoids, almond-derived luminacoids, and cocoa bean-derived polyphenols. not. For example, starch-based foods such as breads, biscuits, noodles, crackers, nutritional bars; various confectionery such as candies, gums, gummies, and snacks; milk, processed milk, ice cream, fermented milk (yogurt, etc.) ), milk drinks, cheeses, butters, creams and other milk and dairy products; puddings, jellies, bavarois, mousses and other desserts; non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and other beverages; ham, sausage and other meat processing products; processed fish products such as kamaboko, chikuwa, and fish sausages; processed fruit products such as jams and purees; seasonings such as roux and sauces. The cacao bean-derived luminacoid, almond-derived luminacoid, and cacao bean-derived polyphenol can be appropriately blended at an appropriate stage of the manufacturing process according to the characteristics and purpose of each food.

Since the pharmaceuticals and foods of the present invention utilize cocoa beans and almonds, which have been widely used as foods since ancient times, mammals (e.g., humans, mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, cats, cows, The dosage or intake of cocoa bean-derived luminacoids, almond-derived luminacoids, and cocoa bean-derived polyphenols that can be safely used for horses, pigs, monkeys, etc.) depends on the recipient's sex, age and weight, symptoms, administration time, It can be determined depending on the dosage form, administration route, drugs to be combined, and the like. For example, in the case of oral administration of cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids as a pharmaceutical, per day for adults, preferably 0.6 to 17 g, more preferably 0.9 to 12 g, more preferably 1.6 to 7 A range of 0.0 g can be administered. In addition, when cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids are ingested as food, for example, per day for adults, preferably 0.6 to 17 g, more preferably 0.9 to 12 g, more preferably 1.6 to A dose in the range of 7.0 g can be administered. And when cacao bean-derived polyphenols and almond-derived polyphenols are orally administered as pharmaceuticals, for example, per day for adults, preferably 180 to 2500 mg, more preferably 200 to 1700 mg, more preferably 250 to 1000 mg. can be administered as follows. Also, when cocoa bean-derived polyphenols and almond-derived polyphenols are ingested as food, for example, per day for adults, preferably 180 to 2500 mg, more preferably 200 to 1700 mg, more preferably 250 to 1000 mg. can be administered at

The composition for improving skin quality and the skin quality improving agent of the present invention can be used in combination with other orally ingestible compositions without limitation. For example, in combination with a material or composition that can be expected to have anti-inflammatory/anti-allergic action, action to improve skin stratum corneum water content, action to improve skin turnover, action to improve skin inflammation, and/or action to improve subjective skin symptoms. By doing so, the effect of improving skin quality can be further enhanced.

The composition for improving skin quality and the skin quality improving agent of the present invention are provided as a composition comprising cocoa bean-derived luminacoid and almond-derived luminacoid in a daily intake effective for improving skin quality. be able to. The composition may contain cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids, as well as cocoa bean-derived polyphenols. In this case, the composition for improving skin quality and the skin quality improving agent may be packaged so that a daily effective intake can be taken, and as long as a daily effective intake can be taken, The form of packaging may be single packaging or multiple packaging. When provided in a package form, it is desirable that the package contains a description of the intake amount so that the effective intake for one day can be taken, or that a document containing such description is provided together. In addition, in the case of providing a daily effective intake in multiple packages, it is also possible to provide a set of multiple packages of the daily effective intake for convenience of intake.

The packaging form for providing the composition for improving skin quality and the skin quality improving agent of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a form that defines a certain amount, for example, wrapping paper, bag, soft bag, paper Containers such as containers, cans, bottles, capsules, etc., which can be accommodated, and the like are included.

The composition and agent for improving skin quality of the present invention are preferably administered or ingested continuously for one week or longer, more preferably for two weeks or longer, in order to exhibit their effects better. More preferably 3 weeks or longer, more preferably 4 weeks or longer, particularly preferably 8 weeks or longer. The period of continuous intake of the composition for improving skin quality and the skin quality improving agent of the present invention is, for example, preferably 1 to 18 weeks, more preferably 2 to 16 weeks, still more preferably 4 to 12 weeks. Weeks, particularly preferably 8 to 10 weeks. Here, "continuously" means continuing administration or intake every day. When the composition for improving skin quality and the skin quality-improving agent of the present invention are provided in a packaged form, an effective intake for a certain period of time (for example, one week) is provided as a set for continuous intake. may

The present invention will be described more specifically based on the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

The following tests were conducted to verify the effects of cocoa bean-derived luminacoids, almond-derived luminacoids, cocoa bean-derived polyphenols, and almond-derived polyphenols on the skin.

[Test Example 1] Examination of skin quality improvement effect by cocoa bean-derived luminacoid, almond-derived luminacoid, and cocoa bean-derived polyphenol (Part 1)

Thirty-five healthy Japanese women aged between 30 and 60 who were selected by screening were used as subjects, and an open-label comparison test between groups was conducted. Results were obtained for 17 subjects in the test food intake group and 16 subjects in the non-ingestion group except for 2 subjects who discontinued the test in the middle. Dietary restrictions and other restrictions (details of dietary restrictions and other restrictions are shown below) were performed during the test period.

As a primary screening, 14 days before the start of intake (-2W), a lifestyle questionnaire (confirmation of age, disease history, intake status of medicines and health foods, presence or absence of allergies, smoking habits, drinking habits, etc.) was conducted. In addition, as a secondary screening, 7 days before the start of intake (-1W), subjective questionnaire (investigation of subjective symptoms related to intestinal regulation and skin), physical examination (height, weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, BMI), skin stratum corneum Moisture content measurement, skin turnover evaluation, and blood test were performed. Exclusion criteria such as fasting blood sugar level, fasting blood triglyceride level, eating habits (daily intake of cacao products, almond products, etc.), etc. (Details of exclusion criteria are shown below.) , the number of defecations, and BMI, the number of defecations in the last two weeks was 2 times or more and 4 times or less per week, and the BMI was 23.0 kg/m ² or more.

<Exclusion criteria for screening>
・Subjects who currently have some kind of chronic disease and are receiving drug treatment ・Subjects with symptoms of severe hay fever ・Subjects with a history or complications of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis or eczema ・Test site・Those with a fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher at the secondary screening ・Those with a fasting blood triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or higher at the secondary screening ・Cacao , almonds, milk, soybeans, almonds, milk, and soybeans. Subjects who take or take drugs, quasi-drugs, supplements, health foods, or foods for specified health use on a daily basis, or who plan to take or take them during the test. , Those who performed special facial care (chemical peeling, laser treatment, etc.), those who participated in other clinical trials and monitoring trials within one month before screening, or those who participate in other clinical trials after consenting to this clinical trial. Those who are planning to become pregnant, those who plan to become pregnant during the study period, those who wish to become pregnant, those who are breast-feeding, and other persons who are deemed inappropriate as subjects by the principal investigator.

<Diet restrictions and other restrictions during the test period>
The subjects were allowed to lead a normal life during the test period and were instructed to comply with the following restrictions.
・Eat well-balanced meals consisting of staple food, main dish, and side dish for all three meals. Refrain from excessive dieting and overeating that greatly deviates from your daily range.
・Beverages such as green tea, coffee, etc. can be consumed freely in both quantity and frequency, but should not exceed the amount normally consumed.
・As a general rule, you can eat snacks freely, but do not exceed the amount you normally eat. However, from the time of screening until the end of the test, intake of cacao products (chocolate, cocoa, etc.) and almond products other than test foods should be avoided as much as possible.
・In principle, there is no restriction on alcohol intake, but refrain from making any significant changes to the degree of alcohol intake (amount, type, etc.). In addition, alcohol consumption is prohibited from the day before the examination day (excluding the primary screening) until the end of the examination.
・Smoking is prohibited from the time you wake up on the day of the examination (excluding the primary screening) until the end of the examination.
・Drugs (including over-the-counter drugs), quasi-drugs, supplements, health foods, and foods for specified health uses that may affect this study should not be taken or ingested from the time of primary screening until the end of the study. prohibited. Specifically, drugs containing antibiotics, laxatives, laxatives, antiflatulents, Chinese herbal prescriptions, and herbal medicines (those that improve constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion, including over-the-counter drugs), quasi-drugs, Supplements, food for specified health use (FOSHU) or health food, collagen, ceramide, oligosaccharide, dietary fiber, health food containing lactic acid bacteria, etc. fall under this category.
・During the test period, the daily diary should be recorded.
・Avoid major lifestyle changes as much as possible.
・Do not switch to other products such as cosmetics or sunscreen, or excessively change the makeup method or frequency.
・We will continue to take measures against UV rays, refrain from intentionally exposing ourselves to UV rays, and refrain from activities that may cause sunburn, such as skiing, swimming in the sea, and sunbathing, as much as possible.
- Perform the same skin care as before, and prohibit special facial care (chemical peeling, laser treatment, etc.) and cosmetic surgery on the test site.

Table 1 shows the subject background of Test Example 1.

The test food of Test Example 1 was 33.6 g of commercially available cacao bean-derived luminacoids, almond-derived luminacoids, and cocoa bean-derived polyphenol-containing processed fats and oils composition ("Almond Black Chocolate" Meiji Co., Ltd.) every day (8 grains) for 8 weeks.

Since the processed oil composition contains 7.0 g of dietary fiber and 1.7 g of indigestible protein per 100 g, the total amount of luminacoids derived from cocoa beans and luminacoids derived from almonds taken by the subject per day is 3. 0 g (dietary fiber 2.4 g, indigestible protein 0.6 g).
In addition, since the processed oil composition contains 1020 mg of polyphenols (total amount of polyphenols) per 100 g, the cocoa bean-derived polyphenols ingested by the subject per day is 340 mg.

The dietary fiber content, the indigestible protein content, and the polyphenol content (total polyphenol content) contained in the processed oil and fat composition were calculated as follows.

Dietary Fiber Dietary fiber content was calculated by the enzyme-gravimetric method (official method by AOAC International). Specifically, about 1 g of the pulverized test food was sampled, defatted twice with diethyl ether, and made up to 50 mL with 0.08 mol/L phosphate buffer (pH 6.0). 0.1 mL of Termamyl (Novozymes, 120 L) was then added and incubated with shaking in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes. After cooling, the solution was adjusted to pH 7.5 ± 0.1 with 0.275 mol / L sodium hydroxide solution, and further protease (Sigma, P-5380) solution (50 mg / mL phosphate buffer) was added to 0. .1 mL was added and incubated at 60° C. for 30 minutes with shaking. After cooling, the solution was adjusted to pH 4.3 ± 0.3 with 0.325 mol/L hydrochloric acid, and 0.1 mL of amyloglucosidase (Sigma, A-9913) was added and shaken at 60°C for 30 minutes. incubated while A 95% ethanol solution was added to the solution at 60° C. to make it 4 times the volume, and the solution was allowed to stand at room temperature for 1 hour. The solution was subjected to suction filtration using a glass filter (2G2, on which about 1 g of celite filtration layer was formed in advance) to obtain a residue. The residue was washed with 78% ethanol solution (20 mL 3 times), 95% ethanol solution (10 mL 2 times or more), acetone (10 mL 2 times or more) (additional diethyl ether wash if necessary), and 105 After drying overnight at 0 C, constant weight measurements (R ₁ , R ₂ ) were made on the residue. A part of the obtained residue was incinerated at 525° C. for 5 hours, and the ash content (A) in the residue was calculated. A portion of the obtained residue was subjected to the Kjeldahl method (official method for protein determination, coefficient 6.25) to calculate the protein (P) in the residue. The dietary fiber content (g/100g) was calculated according to the formula below.
[a formula]

R: weight of residue [mean value, (R ₁ +R ₂ )/2, mg]
P: protein in residue (%)
A: Ash content in residue (%)
S: sample collection amount (mean value, mg)
B: blank (mg)

r: Weight in blank residue (mean value, mg)
p: protein (%) in blank residue
a: Ash content in blank residue (%)

Indigestible protein The indigestible protein content was calculated according to the indigestible protein extraction method described below, and the amount of protein in the resulting extract was calculated as the indigestible protein content. Specifically, after the pulverized test food was melted in a hot water bath, hexane was added in an amount five times the amount of the test food, and the mixture was stirred for 3 hours. The suspension was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm and 4° C. for 10 minutes to collect the precipitate. The precipitate was suspended in hexane in an amount three times the weight of the initial test food, and then stirred for 1 hour. The suspension was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes at 4° C. and the resulting precipitate was air-dried overnight. The precipitate was pulverized with a miller to obtain a test powder. The powder was suspended in 20 volumes of deionized water and stirred for 10 minutes before adjusting the suspension to pH 12 with sodium hydroxide solution. The suspension was then heated to 50° C. while continuing to stir, and when 50° C. was reached, the suspension was readjusted to pH 12 with sodium hydroxide solution. The suspension was heated to 70°C while stirring, and extracted for 30 minutes when the temperature reached 70°C. The suspension was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes at room temperature and the supernatant was recovered. A phosphoric acid solution was added to the resulting supernatant to adjust the pH to 2.0, and the mixture was allowed to stand overnight at 4°C. The suspension was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 10 minutes at room temperature to collect the precipitate. The precipitate was suspended in deionized water in an amount 5 times the weight of the initial test powder, centrifuged at 10,000 rpm and 25°C for 10 minutes, the supernatant was removed, and the precipitate was collected. The washing was performed twice, and the resulting precipitate was dried under reduced pressure at 80° C. for 72 hours. The amount of protein in the resulting extract was calculated by the Kjeldahl method (official method for protein quantification, factor 6.25).

Polyphenol Polyphenol content (total polyphenol content) was measured by the Prussian blue colorimetric method. Specifically, the pulverized test food was degreased with hexane, suspended in a 50% methanol solution, heated to 80° C., and polyphenols were extracted. For the extract, commercially available (−)-epicatechin was added according to the method described in Martin L. Price and Larry G. Butler, J. Agric Food Chem., Vol. 25, No. 6, 1268-1273, 1977. Polyphenol content was calculated as a standard substance.

The intake start date is regarded as the first day, and from 14 days before the intake start (-2W) to the final day of intake (8W), a daily diary (ingestion status of the test food, recording of subjective symptoms, defecation status (number of defecations, fecal , stool volume, days of defecation), skin condition, estrous cycle, intake status of medicines and health foods, etc.). In addition, 14 days before the start of intake (-2 weeks), a lifestyle questionnaire (confirmation of age, disease history, intake of medicines and health foods, presence or absence of allergies, smoking habits, drinking habits, etc.) was conducted. Furthermore, 7 days before the start of intake (-1W), 4 weeks after intake (4W) and 8 weeks after intake (8W), subjective questionnaires (investigation of subjective symptoms related to intestinal regulation and skin), physical examinations (height, weight, Blood pressure, pulse rate, BMI), skin stratum corneum moisture content measurement, skin turnover evaluation, and blood test were performed.

Here, the skin stratum corneum water content was measured with a corneometer (cheek). In addition, skin turnover evaluation was performed using the tape stripping method (a method of peeling off the outermost stratum corneum before it becomes dirt with an adhesive tape and measuring its condition). was used to calculate the degree of multiple detachment. The degree of multiple peeling was measured by transferring the test sample to a slide glass by a standard method and staining it with a 0.5% brilliant green/1% gentian violet aqueous solution. Using an all-in-one fluorescence microscope BZ-X710 (Keyence Corporation), 100-fold enlarged images of corneocytes were taken. From the obtained images, the degree of multiple detachment was measured using corneocytometry (CIEL Co., Ltd.). From the enlarged image, the ratio of the area of the multiple detachment part to the area of the cell part was calculated and defined as the degree of multiple detachment. In addition, blood tests include general biochemical tests using serum or plasma, blood markers (blood inflammation markers: TARC, highly sensitive CRP (C-reactive protein), etc., blood glycation markers: AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products). ), etc., a blood marker for bone formation/bone resorption: total P1NP (type I procollagen-N-propeptide), etc., and a blood brain function marker: BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor), etc.) were measured. Furthermore, the subjective symptoms related to the skin were evaluated using a subjective questionnaire scored by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) with items of "very bad", "normal", and "very good" as indicators.

In the degree of multiple peeling (forearm) of Test Example 1, the amount of change (Δ8W) from before ingestion to 8 weeks after ingestion was compared. Compared to (Δ8W), there was a large change in the direction of decreasing the rate of multiple exfoliation, that is, there was a tendency for a large degree of improvement in the skin condition (Fig. 1). These results suggest that the test food has an effect of improving skin turnover, that is, an effect of improving skin quality.

Among the blood markers in Test Example 1, the blood TARC concentration was lower than the number of people whose blood TARC concentration decreased from before ingestion (-1W) to 8 weeks after ingestion (8W) in the test food non-ingestion group. In the ingestion group, there were many people whose blood TARC concentration decreased from before ingestion (-1W) to 8 weeks after ingestion (8W) (Fig. 2). These results suggest that the test food has an effect of improving skin inflammation, that is, an effect of improving skin quality.

Of the subjective questionnaires of Test Example 1, the skin condition questionnaire (VAS) compared the amount of change (Δ8W) from before to 8 weeks after ingestion, and the amount of change (Δ8W) in the test food intake group was Compared to the amount of change (Δ8W) in the food non-ingestion group, there was a large change in the direction of answering "My skin is in good condition", that is, there was a tendency for a large degree of improvement in subjective symptoms (Fig. 3). These results suggest that the test food has an effect of improving subjective symptoms related to skin, that is, an effect of improving skin quality.

From the results of FIGS. 1 to 3, the composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoid, almond-derived luminacoid and cocoa bean-derived polyphenol was found to improve skin turnover, improve skin inflammation, and improve skin inflammation. It was shown that it has an improvement in subjective symptoms related to, that is, it has an effect of improving skin quality.

No significant change was observed in the defecation frequency (times/week) in Test Example 1 in the test food non-ingestion group. On the other hand, in the test food intake group, when the number of defecations was counted weekly, the average number of defecations during the week before intake was 3.7, whereas the number of defecations during the week after intake was 5.6. times, and significantly increased one week after the start of intake (risk rate p=0.011). Moreover, since the number of defecations continued to increase even after 8 weeks of ingestion, it was clarified that this effect was not transient but sustained. Furthermore, in the intake group, the average number of defecations during the two weeks before intake was 3.9, while the average number of defecations during the intake period of 0-4 weeks (0-4W) was 5.9 times, and between the intake period of 4-8 weeks. The mean number of bowel movements (4-8W) was significantly increased to 6.0 (risk rate p<0.05 for each). On the other hand, in the non-ingestion group, no significant change was observed in either the average number of defecations before ingestion or the average number of defecations in the period from 0 to 4 weeks after ingestion in the period from 4 to 8 weeks (Fig. 4).

No significant change was observed in the number of defecation days (days/week) in Test Example 1 in the test food non-ingestion group. On the other hand, in the test food intake group, the average number of defecation days during the two weeks before intake was 3.4, whereas the average number of defecation days during intake for 0-4 weeks (0-4W) and between intake for 4-8 weeks was 3.4 times. The average number of defecation days (4-8W) was also significantly increased to 4.8 (risk rate p<0.05 for each) (Fig. 5).

From the results of FIGS. 4 and 5, it was found that intake of a composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoid, almond-derived luminacoid and cocoa bean-derived polyphenol increased the number and days of defecation and reduced bowel movements. confirmed to improve.

[Test Example 2] Examination of skin quality improvement effect by cocoa bean-derived luminacoids, almond-derived luminacoids, and cocoa bean-derived polyphenols (Part 2)

A single-blind (evaluator-blinded) parallel-group comparative study was conducted on 83 female subjects selected by screening from 25 to 50 years of age. Results were obtained for 36 subjects in the test food intake group and 35 subjects in the non-ingestion group, excluding 12 subjects who discontinued the test in the middle. Dietary restrictions and other restrictions similar to those in Test Example 1 were applied during the test period.

As a screening, before the start of intake, a lifestyle questionnaire (confirmation of age, disease history, intake status of medicines and health foods, presence or absence of allergies, defecation status in the last two weeks, awareness of dry skin, smoking, drinking habits, etc.), Physical examination (height, weight, BMI), skin dryness evaluation by a dermatologist, and skin stratum corneum water content measurement were performed. Exclusion criteria due to dietary habits (daily intake of cacao products, nuts, etc.) (details of exclusion criteria are shown below), and the number of bowel movements is 2 times or more 4 times a week in the last 2 weeks Eighty-three subjects were selected who had the following conditions and were aware of dry skin.

<Exclusion criteria for screening>
・Subjects who currently have some kind of chronic disease and are receiving drug treatment ・Subjects who have symptoms of severe hay fever ・Subjects who have remarkable abnormalities in the skin condition of the test site ・Cacao, almonds, milk, wheat, eggs , Subjects who are allergic to soybeans, Subjects who consume large amounts of cacao products and nuts on a daily basis. , Health foods, Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) on a daily basis, or those who plan to take them during the test.・Those who participated in other clinical trials and monitoring tests within one month before screening ・Those who are pregnant, those who plan to become pregnant during the test period ・Those who are breastfeeding Others who are judged to be unsuitable as subjects by the principal investigator

Table 2 shows the subject background of Test Example 2.

The test food of Test Example 2 is a commercially available cacao bean-derived luminacoid, almond-derived luminacoid, and cocoa bean-derived polyphenol-containing processed oil and fat composition ("Almond Chocolate Cacao 70%" Meiji Co., Ltd.) 30.4 g daily (oil and fat processed composition 8 grains) each for 8 weeks.

Since the oil-and-fat processed composition contains 12.6 g of dietary fiber and 1.9 g of indigestible protein per 100 g, the total amount of luminacoid derived from cocoa beans and luminacoid derived from almonds taken by the subject per day was 4.0 g. 4 g (dietary fiber 3.8 g, indigestible protein 0.6 g).

In addition, since the processed oil composition contains 1300 mg of polyphenols (total amount of polyphenols) per 100 g, the cocoa bean-derived polyphenols ingested by the subject per day is 390 mg.
The dietary fiber content, indigestible protein content, and polyphenol content (total polyphenol content) contained in the fat and oil composition were calculated in the same manner as in Test Example 1.

The intake start date is the first day (0W), and from 14 days before the intake start (-2W) to the final day of intake (8W), a daily diary (intake status of test food, subjective symptoms, defecation status (number of defecations, fecal sex, stool volume), menstrual cycle, intake status of medicines and health foods, etc.). In addition, on the first day of intake (0W), 4 weeks after intake (4W), and 8 weeks after intake (8W), subjective questionnaires (investigation of subjective symptoms related to intestinal regulation and skin), physical examination (body weight), dermatologist Evaluation of skin dryness, measurement of stratum corneum water content, measurement of transepidermal water loss, evaluation of skin turnover, and blood tests were performed.

Measurement of the moisture content of the stratum corneum of the skin, evaluation of skin turnover, blood test, and evaluation of subjective skin-related symptoms were carried out in the same manner as in Test Example 1. Furthermore, the skin transepidermal water loss was measured with a Tevameter (cheek).

Of the subjective questionnaires in Test Example 2, the skin condition questionnaire (evaluation of subjective symptoms of skin condition by the VAS method) was conducted on the day of intake (0W), 4 weeks after intake (4W), and 8 weeks after intake (8W). were compared, no significant change was observed in the test food non-ingestion group (Fig. 6). On the other hand, in the ingestion group, both 4 weeks (4W) and 8 weeks (8W) after ingestion, the subjective symptoms of the skin condition were significantly "good" compared to the intake start day (0W). There was improvement in the direction of answering (risk rate p<0.05 for each). Furthermore, in the test food intake group, subjective symptoms of skin condition were significantly more significant than the non-ingestion group at both 4 weeks (4W) and 8 weeks (8W) after intake. (risk ratio p<0.05 for each). From these results, it was shown that the test food has an effect of improving subjective symptoms related to skin, that is, an effect of improving skin quality.

The skin transepidermal water loss and the skin stratum corneum water content in Test Example 2 were subjected to a stratified analysis targeting subjects with dry skin (skin stratum corneum water content of 50 AU or less) on the day of starting intake (0 W) ( A skin stratum corneum moisture content of 60 AU or more is called normal skin, 50 to 60 AU is called dry skin, and 50 AU or less is called super dry skin). Regarding the amount of transepidermal water loss, both the test food intake group and the non-ingestion group decreased significantly after 8 weeks (8W) compared to the intake start day (0W) (Fig. 7), and the skin barrier function was improved. (risk ratio p<0.05, respectively). Regarding the stratum corneum water content, no significant change was observed in the test food non-ingestion group. FIG. 8), the dryness of the skin was improved (risk rate p<0.05). These results indicated that the test food had the effect of improving the dryness of the skin, that is, the effect of improving the skin quality.

From the results of FIGS. 6 to 8, the composition containing cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoid, almond-derived luminacoid and cocoa bean-derived polyphenol was effective in improving skin turnover, improving skin inflammation, and reducing skin inflammation. It was shown that it has an improvement in subjective symptoms related to, that is, it has an effect of improving skin quality.

The number of defecations (times/week) in Test Example 2 not only increased significantly from 1 week after the start of intake compared to before intake in the test food intake group (Fig. 9), but also for 1 to 8 weeks after the start of intake. It remained significantly increased (risk ratio p<0.05), demonstrating that this effect was persistent rather than transient. Furthermore, the amount of change in the number of defecations (Δ times/week) in the test food intake group was significantly greater than the amount of change in the number of defecations in the non-ingestion group over 1 to 8 weeks after the start of intake (risk rate p < 0.05).

The number of defecation days (days/week) in Test Example 2 not only increased significantly from 1 week after the start of intake compared to before intake in the test food intake group (Fig. 10), but also for 1 to 8 weeks after the start of intake. remained significantly increased (risk p<0.05). In addition, the amount of change in the number of defecation days (Δ days/week) in the test food intake group was significantly greater than the amount of change in the number of defecation days in the non-ingestion group over 1 to 8 weeks after the start of intake (risk rate p < 0.05).

Changes in the amount of stool in Test Example 2 were evaluated using a daily diary record (a record based on the size of commercially available M-size eggs) as an index. The stool volume of the test food intake group not only increased significantly from 1 week after the start of intake compared to before intake (Fig. 11), but also remained significantly increased from 1 to 8 weeks after the start of intake (risk rate p<0.05). In addition, the amount of change in stool volume in the test food intake group (Δnumber of eggs/week) was the change in stool volume in the non-ingestion group over 1 to 8 weeks after the start of intake. (risk ratio p<0.05).

Of the subjective questionnaires in Test Example 2, the subjective symptoms related to intestinal regulation are evaluated using the scored subjective questionnaire scored by the visual analogue scale (VAS) with the items of "very bad" and "very good" as a guideline. evaluated. A stomach condition questionnaire (assessment of subjective symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions by the VAS method) compared the intake start day (0W), 4 weeks after intake (4W), and 8 weeks after intake (8W). No significant changes were observed between groups (Fig. 12). On the other hand, in the ingestion group, both 4 weeks (4W) and 8 weeks (8W) after ingestion, the subjective symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions were significantly higher than the ingestion start day (0W), indicating that "my stomach is very good." (risk rate p<0.05 for each). Furthermore, in the test food intake group, subjective symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions were significantly higher than those in the non-ingestion group at both 4 weeks (4W) and 8 weeks (8W) after intake, and the response was that "my stomach feels very good." (risk ratio p<0.05 for each).

From the results of FIGS. 9 to 12, intake of a composition comprising cocoa mass and almonds containing cocoa bean-derived luminacoids, almond-derived luminacoids, and cocoa bean-derived polyphenols increases the number of defecations, the number of days, and the amount of stools. , improvement of bowel movements, and improvement of subjective symptoms related to intestinal regulation.

Claims (7)

Chocolate comprising cocoa mass and almonds, comprising 1.6-7.0 g of cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids and 250-1000 mg of cocoa bean-derived polyphenols per daily dose or serving,4 Chocolate to improve the quality of the skin to be ingested for more than a week. 2. The chocolate according to claim 1, which is packaged for each daily intake. 3. The chocolate according to claim 1 or 2, which is for improving bowel movements. The chocolate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for ingestion by a subject for whom improvement in bowel movements is desired. The chocolate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is intended for ingestion by women. 6. The chocolate according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is intended to be ingested by subjects who are aware of dry skin. Cocoa bean-derived luminacoids and almond-derived luminacoids 1.6-7.0 g, and cocoa bean-derived polyphenols 250-1000 mg, as a daily intake, as chocolate containing cocoa mass and almonds for 4 weeks or more. A method for improving skin quality (excluding medical treatment for humans).

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