JP7153899B2 - Whitening agents and skin cosmetics - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a fermented product of a Glychyrrhiza glabra extract by Lactobacillus plantarum , a whitening agent, an anti-aging agent, a skin cosmetic, and a food and drink containing the same.

Conventionally, skin pigmentation, age spots, freckles, etc. have been prevented, treated or improved by externally applying a whitening agent containing a chemically synthesized product such as hydroquinone as an active ingredient. However, chemically synthesized products such as hydroquinone may cause side effects such as skin irritation and allergies. Therefore, it is desired to develop a whitening agent containing highly safe natural raw materials as active ingredients. ing.

Filaggrin is a constituent of the skin, is involved in the barrier function of the skin, and is believed to have the function of preventing the invasion of allergens, toxins and infectious organisms. Decreased function due to mutations in the filaggrin gene, etc. is associated with the risk of developing atopic diseases including atopic dermatitis (eczema, skin inflammation, itchy skin, etc.), allergies, asthma, etc., and is even more serious. In some cases, it is known to lead to skin diseases such as ichthyosis vulgaris (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, amino acids, which are the main components of Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF), are produced by decomposition of filaggrin derived from keratohyalin granules in the stratum corneum. This filaggrin is expressed as profilaggrin in epidermal keratinocytes present in the granular layer just below the stratum corneum. After that, it is immediately phosphorylated, accumulated in keratohyalin granules, dephosphorylated and hydrolyzed, decomposed into filaggrin, migrated to the stratum corneum, increases the efficiency of keratin filament aggregation, and participates in the internal construction of keratinocytes. is known (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2). In recent years, it has been known that this filaggrin is very important and essential for retaining moisture in the skin, and that conditions such as dryness reduce the ability to synthesize filaggrin, resulting in a decrease in the amount of amino acids in the stratum corneum ( For example, see Non-Patent Document 3).

Therefore, by promoting the expression of profilaggrin in epidermal keratinocytes, atopic diseases including atopic dermatitis (eczema, skin inflammation, skin itching, etc.), allergies, asthma, etc. can be prevented, treated or improved. it is conceivable that. It is also expected that the hydration environment of the stratum corneum can be essentially improved by promoting the expression of profilaggrin and thereby increasing the amount of amino acids in the stratum corneum. Conventionally, a guilla biloba extract (see, for example, Patent Document 2) and the like are known to have a profilaggrin mRNA expression-promoting effect.

The epidermis and dermis of the skin are composed of epidermal cells, fibroblasts, and extracellular matrices such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid that are outside these cells and support the skin structure. In young skin, the proliferation of fibroblasts is active, and the interaction of skin tissue such as fibroblasts and extracellular matrix components maintains homeostasis, ensuring moisture retention, flexibility, elasticity, etc. The appearance is maintained in a fresh state with tension and luster.

However, under the influence of certain external factors such as ultraviolet irradiation, extreme drying of the air, excessive skin washing, etc., or with aging, collagen, elastin, and hyaluron, which are the main constituents of the extracellular matrix, As the amount of acid produced decreases, it causes decomposition and alteration. As a result, the moisturizing function and elasticity of the skin are reduced, and abnormal exfoliation of keratin occurs, so that the skin loses its firmness and luster, and exhibits aging symptoms such as rough skin and wrinkles. Thus, changes associated with aging of the skin, ie, wrinkles, dullness, changes in texture, reduction in elasticity, etc., are associated with reduction or denaturation of matrix components such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Therefore, promoting the production of hyaluronic acid and the like is important in preventing, treating, or improving skin aging.

Among the extracellular matrix components mentioned above, hyaluronic acid is a type of mucopolysaccharide and has the function of retaining cells by being filled in the intercellular spaces. It has many functions such as providing lubricity and flexibility, and resistance to external forces such as mechanical damage. If the production of hyaluronic acid can be promoted, skin aging symptoms such as rough skin, wrinkles, dullness, changes in texture, loss of elasticity and loss of moisturizing function can be prevented, treated or improved. In addition, by promoting the expression of hyaluronic acid synthase 3 (HAS3) involved in promoting the synthesis of epidermal hyaluronic acid, it is believed that skin aging can be prevented, treated or improved.

In addition to skin tissue, hyaluronic acid is present in cartilage, synovial fluid, umbilical cord, vitreous body of the eye, and other connective tissues. Among them, hyaluronic acid contained in synovial fluid covers the surface of articular cartilage and contributes to the smooth operation of joints due to its lubricating function, covering and protecting cartilage, and the like. On the other hand, in arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, it is known that the concentration of hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid is decreased. Therefore, by promoting the production of hyaluronic acid, it is possible to prevent or treat arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, septic arthritis, gouty arthritis, traumatic arthritis, or osteoarthritis. Furthermore, it is known that granulation (tissue) is formed during the healing process of wounds or burns, and hyaluronic acid is significantly increased in the granulation. Therefore, it is thought that the healing of wounds or burns can be promoted by promoting the production of hyaluronic acid. As a substance having a hyaluronic acid production-promoting effect, an extract from Camphorella camphorata (see, for example, Patent Document 3) is known.

Among the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and stratum corneum, which constitute the epidermis, the cell membrane of the stratum granulosum, in particular, thickens to form a thickened cell membrane. Intermolecular glutamyl-lysine cross-links form tough keratin protein fibers. Furthermore, ceramide or the like is covalently bonded to a part of it to form a hydrophobic structure, which provides a base for the lamellar structure of intercellular lipids and forms the basis for the stratum corneum barrier function.

Ceramide is produced from serine and palmitoyl-CoA in the process of keratinization of epidermal cells through the actions of enzymes including serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) known as the rate-limiting enzyme for ceramide synthesis. Ceramide exists specifically as a major component of intercorneocyte lipids that cover the outermost layer of the skin, and plays an important role in maintaining the skin's original function as a barrier film between the living body and the outside world.

The structure of the stratum corneum is likened to a brick and a mortar, and forms a strong barrier film in the form of intercellular lipids connecting corneocytes, which are piled up in about 15 layers. Corneocytes retain moisture by containing natural moisturizing factors whose main components are amino acids, while intercorneocyte lipids are mainly composed of about 50% ceramide, and contain cholesterol, fatty acids, and other parent substances. It is composed of lipophilic lipids and is characterized by a so-called lamellar structure in which hydrophobic and hydrophilic portions are alternately repeated.

Deterioration of the skin barrier function due to various internal and external factors increases transepidermal water loss, causing dry skin, desquamation, itching, and the like, resulting in so-called dry skin. In addition, the deterioration of the skin barrier function leads to a vicious cycle in which skin inflammation increases and the defense function against various external stimuli decreases. In recent studies, it has been reported that keratin ceramide components (so-called intercellular lipids) decrease or change in composition due to aging or in patients with atopic dermatitis known as barrier disorder (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 4). , it has become widely known that ceramide is important for maintaining and improving the skin barrier function. Known methods for improving the barrier function of the skin include a method of externally supplementing ceramide (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 5) and a method of increasing ceramide production within the skin (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 6). .

However, there is still a strong demand for substances that have superior whitening or anti-aging effects, are highly safe, and can be used as whitening agents, anti-aging agents, skin cosmetics, or active ingredients in foods and beverages. At present, there is a demand for rapid development.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-083488 JP 2012-219047 A JP-A-2003-146837

"Nat Genet.", 2006, Vol. 38, No. 4, p. 441-446 "Fragrance Journal Extra Edition", 2000, Vol. 17, p. 14-19 "Arch. Dermatol. Res.", 1996, Vol. 288, p. 442-446 J. Dermatol. , 1993, Vol. 20, No. 1, p. 1-6 "Fragrance Journal", 2004, Vol. 32, No. 11, p. 23-32 Br. J. Dermatol. , 2000, Vol. 143, Issue 3, p. 524-531

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to achieve the following objects. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel composition that has at least one of excellent whitening action and anti-aging action and is highly safe.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly safe whitening agent having an excellent whitening action.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly safe anti-aging agent having excellent anti-aging activity.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly safe skin cosmetic having at least one of an excellent whitening effect and an anti-aging effect.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly safe food and drink that has at least one of an excellent whitening effect and an anti-aging effect.

As a result of intensive studies by the present inventors in order to solve the above problems, the fermented product of Glychyrrhiza glabra extract with Lactobacillus plantarum has an excellent whitening effect and anti-aging effect. The present invention was completed based on the finding that it has an effect.

The present invention is based on the findings of the present inventors, and means for solving the above problems are as follows. Namely
<1> A fermentation product of licorice extract by microorganisms,
The licorice is Glychyrrhiza glabra ,
The fermented liquorice extract is characterized in that the microorganism is Lactobacillus plantarum .
<2> A whitening agent containing the fermented liquorice extract according to <1>.
<3> The whitening agent according to <2> above, which has a tyrosinase activity inhibitory action.
<4> An anti-aging agent comprising the fermented liquorice extract according to <1>.
<5> The anti-aging agent according to <4>, having at least one selected from the group consisting of profilaggrin mRNA expression promoting action, serine palmitoyltransferase mRNA expression promoting action and hyaluronic acid synthase 3 mRNA expression promoting action. .
<6> The fermented liquorice extract according to <1>, the whitening agent according to any one of <2> to <3>, and the anti-aging agent according to any one of <4> to <5> A skin cosmetic characterized by containing at least one selected from the group consisting of:
<7> The fermented liquorice extract according to <1>, the whitening agent according to any one of <2> to <3>, and the anti-aging agent according to any one of <4> to <5> A food or drink characterized by containing at least one selected from the group consisting of

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the above-mentioned problems in the past can be solved, and a novel composition having at least one of excellent whitening action and anti-aging action and being highly safe can be provided.
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the whitening agent of this invention, the above-mentioned conventional problems can be solved, and the whitening agent which has the outstanding whitening action and is highly safe can be provided.
According to the anti-aging agent of the present invention, it is possible to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and provide a highly safe anti-aging agent having an excellent anti-aging effect.
According to the skin cosmetic of the present invention, it is possible to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, to provide a highly safe skin cosmetic having at least one of excellent whitening action and anti-aging action.
According to the food and drink of the present invention, it is possible to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, have at least one of an excellent whitening effect and an anti-aging effect, and provide a highly safe food and drink.

(Glycyrrhiza fermented extract)
The fermented licorice extract of the present invention is a fermented product of an extract from licorice using microorganisms.

<Glycyrrhiza extract>
Glycyrrhiza ( Glycyrrhiza ) is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Glycyrrhiza of the legume family, and has been used for medicinal purposes or as a raw material for sweeteners since ancient times.
The licorice in the present invention is Glychyrrhiza glabra .

The licorice extract may be prepared from the extraction site used as the raw material for extraction, or may be a commercially available product.
The extracted part of the licorice is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Aerial parts, root parts, rhizome parts, mixtures of these parts, and the like can be mentioned. Among these, roots, leaves and rhizomes are preferred.
The method for preparing the extracted part of the licorice is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, after drying each part, it is subjected to solvent extraction as it is or after crushing using a crusher. can be obtained by The drying may be performed in the sun, or may be performed using a commonly used dryer.

The licorice extract can be easily obtained by a method commonly used for plant extraction. The licorice extract is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. .

The method for extracting the licorice is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. A method of obtaining an extract by removing the extraction residue by filtration after eluting the soluble components with appropriate stirring may be mentioned.
In addition, it may be used as an extraction raw material after being subjected to pretreatment such as degreasing with a non-polar solvent such as hexane. By performing pretreatment such as degreasing, the extraction treatment with a polar solvent can be efficiently performed.

The conditions (extraction time and extraction temperature), the extraction solvent, and the amount thereof used in the extraction of the licorice are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

The extraction solvent is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples thereof include water, hydrophilic organic solvents, and mixed solvents thereof.

The water is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Ion-exchanged water, physiological saline, phosphate buffer, phosphate-buffered physiological saline and the like are included.

The hydrophilic solvent is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include lower alcohols having 1 to 5 carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol; lower aliphatic ketones; polyhydric alcohols having 2 to 5 carbon atoms such as 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol and glycerin;

The mixed solvent is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. When using a lower alcohol, 1 part by mass to 90 parts by mass with respect to 10 parts by mass of water, a lower aliphatic ketone When using 1 to 40 parts by mass per 10 parts by mass of water, and when using a polyhydric alcohol, it is preferable to add 1 to 90 parts by mass per 10 parts by mass of water.

The licorice extraction solvent is preferably used at a temperature between room temperature and the boiling point of the solvent.

The obtained licorice extract is diluted, concentrated, dried, purified, etc., according to a conventional method in order to obtain a diluted product, a concentrate, a dried product, a crudely purified product, a purified product, etc. of the licorice extract. may

The licorice extract prepared as described above is subjected to fermentation by microorganisms described below.

<Fermentation>
The fermentation method is not particularly limited as long as Lactobacillus plantarum is used, and can be appropriately selected from known fermentation methods according to the purpose.

－Lactobacillus plantarum－
The Lactobacillus plantarum is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Here, Lactobacillus plantarum is a kind of lactic acid bacteria, but since it is mainly isolated from fermented vegetable foods such as vegetable pickles, kimchi, and miso, it is included in vegetable lactic acid bacteria, fermented milk such as yogurt, It is different from the animal lactic acid bacteria used in the production of lactic acid bacteria beverages. The said Lactobacillus plantarum may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together. When two or more types are used in combination, the two or more types of Lactobacillus plantarum may be fermented simultaneously or separately.

Among the Lactobacillus plantarum 22A-1 (FERM P-21409), Lactobacillus plantarum 22A-3 (FERM P-21411), and Lactobacillus plantarum 22B-2 (FERM P-21410), and particularly preferably Lactobacillus plantarum 22A-3 (FERM P-21411). The three strains of Lactobacillus plantarum 22A-1 (FERM P-21409), Lactobacillus plantarum 22A-3 (FERM P-21411), and Lactobacillus plantarum 22B-2 (FERM P-21410) , which is a strain isolated and identified from pickles by the applicant of the present application.

－Fermentation process－
The fermentation treatment can be performed, for example, by dissolving a concentrated and dried licorice extract in water, or by using the licorice extract as it is without concentrating and drying, and inoculating the Lactobacillus plantarum.

Fermentation treatment using the Lactobacillus plantarum is performed, for example, by placing an aqueous licorice extract solution and the Lactobacillus plantarum in a fermenter at a temperature of 25°C to 35°C, preferably 28°C to 32°C. , 12 hours to 72 hours, preferably 18 hours to 48 hours. Further, when the pH of the reaction solution is adjusted to 5.0 to 7.0, preferably 5.5 to 6.5 at the start of the fermentation process, the fermentation process proceeds favorably. Such fermentation treatment is completed by subjecting the fermented liquid to desired means such as cooling, heat sterilization, and filtration to inactivate the fermenting bacteria.

The fermented liquid thus obtained may be used as it is as a fermented product, or may be diluted or concentrated as appropriate and used as a fermented product. Furthermore, the concentrate may be further dried, and crude purification, purification, and the like may be performed.

In addition, before the extraction process and fermentation process described above, the raw material for extraction or the extract (raw material for fermentation) may be subjected to a process for increasing the efficiency of extraction or fermentation. Preferred examples of such treatment include enzymatic treatment using glucanase, cellulase, and the like. For example, it is particularly preferable to subject the extract obtained by the extraction treatment to an enzyme treatment, since the efficiency of the subsequent fermentation treatment is increased.

The fermented licorice extract obtained in this manner exhibits excellent whitening and anti-aging effects, and is therefore suitable as an active ingredient for whitening agents and anti-aging agents described below, or as a compounding ingredient for skin cosmetics and foods and drinks. can be used.
The fermented licorice extract can be used as it is as an active ingredient of a whitening agent and an anti-aging agent described later, or as a compounding ingredient of skin cosmetics and food and drink. The dried product is preferred. In obtaining the dried product, a carrier such as dextrin or cyclodextrin may be added to improve hygroscopicity.

(Whitening agent and anti-aging agent)
The whitening agent and anti-aging agent of the present invention contain the above-described fermented liquorice extract of the present invention and, if necessary, other ingredients.

The whitening agent has a tyrosinase activity inhibitory effect.

The anti-aging agent has at least one selected from the group consisting of profilaggrin mRNA expression promoting action, serine palmitoyltransferase mRNA expression promoting action and hyaluronic acid synthase 3 mRNA expression promoting action.

The details of the substance exhibiting at least one of tyrosinase activity inhibitory action, profilaggrin mRNA expression promoting action, serine palmitoyltransferase mRNA expression promoting action, and hyaluronic acid synthase 3 mRNA expression promoting action contained in the fermented liquorice extract are unknown. However, it has not been known at all that the licorice extract fermented product has such excellent effects and is useful as a whitening agent and an anti-aging agent. is.

<Glycyrrhiza fermented extract>
The fermented liquorice extract is the fermented liquorice extract of the present invention described above.
The content of the fermented liquorice extract in the whitening agent and anti-aging agent is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately adjusted depending on the physiological activity of the extract. The whitening agent and anti-aging agent may consist only of the fermented liquorice extract.

<Other ingredients>
The other ingredients are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the application form of the whitening agent and anti-aging agent. For example, excipients, desiccants, preservatives, enhancers, thickeners, emulsifiers, antioxidants, sweeteners, acidulants, seasonings, coloring agents, fragrances, whitening agents, humectants, oily ingredients, UV absorbers. agents, surfactants, alcohols, powder components, coloring agents, aqueous components, water, skin nutrients and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together.
The content of the other components is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

<Application>
Applications of the whitening agent and anti-aging agent of the present invention are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the intended purpose.

The whitening agent and anti-aging agent of the present invention are preferably applied to humans. It can also be applied to cats, cows, pigs, monkeys, etc.).

In addition, the whitening agent and anti-aging agent of the present invention can also be used as reagents for research on the mechanism of action of whitening action and anti-aging action.

(skin cosmetics)
The skin cosmetic contains at least one selected from the group consisting of the fermented licorice extract of the present invention, a whitening agent and an anti-aging agent, and further contains other ingredients as necessary.

The content in at least one skin cosmetic selected from the group consisting of the fermented licorice extract, whitening agent and anti-aging agent is not particularly limited, and is appropriately adjusted depending on the physiological activity of the fermented licorice extract. However, it is preferably 0.0001% by mass to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.0001% by mass to 10% by mass, in terms of the fermented liquorice extract. The skin cosmetic may consist of at least one selected from the group consisting of the fermented licorice extract, a whitening agent and an anti-aging agent.

The other ingredients in the skin cosmetics are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose from main agents, auxiliaries and other ingredients used in the production of ordinary skin cosmetics. Astringent, bactericidal/antibacterial agent, whitening agent, UV absorber, moisturizing agent, cell activator, anti-inflammatory/anti-allergic agent, antioxidant/active oxygen remover, oils and fats, waxes, hydrocarbons, fatty acids, alcohol , esters, surfactants, fragrances, and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together.
The content of the other components is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

The skin cosmetic of the present invention can be used on a daily basis, and by the action of the fermented licorice extract, which is an active ingredient, it exhibits various physiologically active actions such as whitening action and anti-aging action. Therefore, it can be suitably used for at least one of whitening and anti-aging applications.

The type of the skin cosmetic is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose.

Although the skin cosmetic of the present invention is preferably applied to humans, it can be applied to animals other than humans (e.g., mice, rats, hamsters, dogs, cats, cows, etc.) as long as the effects of each are exhibited. , pigs, monkeys, etc.).

(food and drink)
The food or drink contains at least one selected from the group consisting of the fermented licorice extract of the present invention, a whitening agent and an anti-aging agent, and further contains other ingredients as necessary.

Here, the above-mentioned food and drink means those that are less likely to harm human health and are taken orally or through digestive tract administration in normal social life. It is not limited to categories such as goods. Therefore, the food and drink include orally ingested general food, health food (functional food and drink), food with health claims (food for specified health use, food with nutrient function claims, food with function claims), quasi-drugs, pharmaceuticals means a wide range of foods and drinks that constitute

The type of food and drink is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include tea drinks, soft drinks, carbonated drinks, nutritional drinks, fruit drinks, lactic acid drinks, Frozen desserts such as ice sherbet and shaved ice; Noodles such as soba, udon, vermicelli, gyoza skin, dumpling skin, Chinese noodles, instant noodles; candy, candy, gum, chocolate, tablets, snacks, biscuits, jelly, jam Confectionery such as cream, baked goods, and bread; Seafood such as crab, salmon, short-necked clam, tuna, sardine, shrimp, bonito, mackerel, whale, oyster, saury, squid, red clam, scallop, abalone, sea urchin, salmon roe, and Tokobushi; Fishery and livestock processed foods such as kamaboko, ham, and sausages; dairy products such as processed milk and fermented milk; oils and fats such as salad oil, tempura oil, margarine, mayonnaise, shortening, whipped cream, and dressings; sauces, sauces, etc. Curry, stew, oyakodon, rice porridge, rice porridge, Chinese rice bowl, katsudon, tempura rice bowl, eel rice bowl, hayashi rice, oden, mapo dofu, beef bowl, meat sauce, egg soup, omelet rice, dumplings, shumai, hamburger, meatballs side dishes such as salads and pickles; various forms of health/beauty/dietary supplements; tablets, granules, capsules, drinks, troches and other drugs, and quasi-drugs.

The content in at least one food or drink selected from the group consisting of the fermented licorice extract, whitening agent, and anti-aging agent is not particularly limited, and may be changed as appropriate in consideration of purpose of use, symptoms, gender, etc. However, for example, considering the general intake of the food and drink to be added, it is recommended that the intake of the fermented licorice extract per adult is about 1 mg to 1,000 mg. preferable. In addition, when the food and drink to be added is a granular, tablet-shaped or capsule-shaped food and drink, the amount of addition of at least one selected from the group consisting of the fermented liquorice extract, the whitening agent and the anti-aging agent is It is usually 0.1% by mass to 100% by mass, preferably 5% by mass to 100% by mass, based on the food and drink.

The other ingredients in the food and drink are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose from auxiliary raw materials or additives or other ingredients used in the production of ordinary food and drink. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, sorbitol, stevioside, rubusoside, corn syrup, lactose, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, L-ascorbic acid, dl-α-tocopherol, sodium erythorbate, glycerin, Propylene glycol, glycerin fatty acid ester, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, gum arabic, carrageenan, casein, gelatin, pectin, agar, vitamin B, nicotinamide, calcium pantothenate, amino acids, calcium Salts, dyes, fragrances, preservatives and the like are included. These may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together.
The blending amount of the other components is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

The food and drink of the present invention can be orally ingested on a daily basis, and by the action of the fermented licorice extract, which is an active ingredient, various physiologically active actions such as whitening action and anti-aging action are extremely effective. Therefore, it can be suitably used for at least one of whitening and anti-aging applications.

Although the food and drink of the present invention are suitable for humans, they can be used in animals other than humans (e.g., mice, rats, hamsters, dogs, cats, cows, cows, etc.) as long as the respective effects are achieved. pigs, monkeys, etc.).

Production Examples and Test Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these Production Examples and Test Examples.

(Comparative production example 1)
-Production of aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra-
As an extraction raw material, 30 g of the ground root of G. glabra ( G. glabra ) was added to 1,000 mL of water, and then sterilized to obtain a Glycyrrhiza glabra ( G. glabra ) extract (hereinafter referred to as " G. glabra "). (1,000 g).

(Production example 1)
-Production of Glycyrrhiza glabra ( G. glabra ) extract-fermented product-
The G.I. Lactobacillus plantarum strain 22A-3 (accession number: FERM P-21411) was inoculated into glabra fermentation liquid-free (1,000 g) and fermented at 30° C. for 24 hours. The resulting fermentation liquid was filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness to obtain a Glycyrrhiza glabra ( G. glabra ) extract fermented product (hereinafter sometimes referred to as " G. glabra fermentation liquid") ( 11g).

(Comparative production example 2)
-Production of aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis-
Glycyrrhiza uralensis ( G. uralensis ) was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Production Example 1, except that the crushed root of G. glabra was replaced with the crushed root of G. uralensis . An extract (hereinafter sometimes referred to as " G. uralensis fermentation-free liquid") was obtained.

(Comparative Production Example 3)
-Production of Glycyrrhiza uralensis ( G. uralensis ) extract fermented product-
In Production Example 1, G. The G. glabra fermentation liquid-free mixture obtained in Comparative Production Example 2 was added. A Glycyrrhiza uralensis ( G. uralensis ) extract fermented product (hereinafter sometimes referred to as " G. uralensis fermented liquid") was obtained in the same manner except that the liquid-free G. uralensis fermentation was used.

(Test Example 1: Tyrosinase activity inhibitory action test)
Using the extracts or fermented extracts obtained in Production Example 1 and Comparative Production Examples 1 to 3 as test samples, tyrosinase activity inhibitory activity was tested by the following test method.

48-well plate, Mcllvaine buffer (pH 6.8) 0.2 mL, 0.3 mg / mL tyrosine solution 0.06 mL, test sample dissolved in 25% DMSO solution (sample concentrations are shown in Tables 1-1 and 1-2 below See) 0.18 mL was added and allowed to stand at 37°C for 10 minutes. To this, 0.02 mL of 800 units/mL tyrosinase solution was added, followed by reaction at 37° C. for 15 minutes. After completion of the reaction, absorbance at a wavelength of 475 nm was measured.
In addition, as a blank, the same operation and absorbance measurement were performed in the case where the enzyme solution was not added. Furthermore, as a control, the same measurement was performed when distilled water was added without adding the sample solution. From the obtained measurement results, the tyrosinase activity inhibition rate (%) was calculated by the following formula 1. The results are shown in Tables 1-1 and 1-2.
<Formula 1>
Tyrosinase activity inhibition rate (%) = {1-(A-B)/(C-D)} x 100
A to D in Formula 1 each represent the following.
A: Absorbance at wavelength 475 nm with test sample added/enzyme added B: Absorbance at wavelength 475 nm with test sample added/enzyme added C: Absorbance at wavelength 475 nm with sample not added/enzyme added D: Sample not added/enzyme Absorbance at wavelength 475 nm without additive

From the results of Tables 1-1 and 1-2, fermented Glycyrrhiza glabra extract with Lactobacillus plantarum produced a fermented licorice extract having excellent tyrosinase activity inhibitory action. confirmed to be obtained.

(Test Example 2: Profilaggrin mRNA expression promoting action test)
Using the extracts or fermented extracts obtained in Production Example 1 and Comparative Production Examples 1 to 3 as test samples, profilaggrin mRNA expression-promoting activity was tested by the following test method.

After culturing normal human neonatal epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) using a normal human epidermal keratinocyte growth medium (KGM), the cells were collected by trypsinization. Using KGM, 2 mL of the recovered cells were seeded in each 35 mm petri dish (40×10 ⁴ cells/dish) and cultured overnight at 37° C. and 5% CO ₂ .
After culturing, the medium was replaced with a normal human epidermal keratinocyte basal medium (KBM, the KGM medium without addition of growth factors (hEGF, BPE, insulin)). After 24 hours, the culture medium was discarded, 2 mL of the test sample dissolved in KBM (see Table 2 below for sample concentrations) was added to each petri dish, and cultured for 24 hours at 37° C. and 5% CO ₂ . As a control, KBM medium containing no test sample was cultured in the same manner.
After culturing, the culture medium was discarded, total RNA was extracted with ISOGEN II (manufactured by Nippon Gene, Cat. No. 311-07361), and the amount of each RNA was measured with a spectrophotometer so as to reach 200 ng/μL. Total RNA was prepared at .
Using this total RNA as a template, the expression levels of profilaggrin and internal standard GAPDH mRNA were measured. Detection was performed using a real-time PCR device Smart Cycler (registered trademark) (manufactured by Cepheid) and TakaRa SYBR (registered trademark) Prime Script (trademark) RT-PCR kit (Perfect Real Time) (manufactured by Takara Bio Inc., code No. RR063A ) by a real-time two-step RT-PCR reaction. The expression level of profilaggrin mRNA was corrected with the value of GAPDH mRNA based on total RNA preparations prepared from cells cultured with "test sample added" and "test sample not added". From the obtained values, profilaggrin mRNA expression promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula 2. Table 2 shows the results.
<Formula 2>
Profilaggrin mRNA expression promotion rate (%) = A/B x 100
A to B in formula 2 represent the following respectively.
A: Correction value when test sample is added B: Correction value when test sample is not added

From the results in Table 2, it was confirmed that a fermented licorice extract having an excellent profilaggrin mRNA expression-promoting effect can be obtained by fermenting the Glycyrrhiza glabra extract with Lactobacillus plantarum . confirmed.

(Test Example 3: Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA expression promoting action test)
Using the extracts or fermented extracts obtained in Production Example 1 and Comparative Production Examples 1 to 3 as test samples, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA expression promoting activity was tested by the following test method.

After culturing normal human neonatal epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) using a normal human epidermal keratinocyte growth medium (KGM), the cells were collected by trypsinization. Using KGM, 2 mL of the recovered cells were seeded in each 35 mm petri dish (40×10 ⁴ cells/dish) and cultured overnight at 37° C. and 5% CO ₂ .
After culturing, the medium was replaced with a normal human epidermal keratinocyte basal medium (KBM, the KGM medium without addition of growth factors (hEGF, BPE, insulin)). After 24 hours, the culture medium was discarded, 2 mL of the test sample dissolved in KBM (see Table 3 below for sample concentration) was added to each petri dish, and cultured for 24 hours at 37° C. and 5% CO ₂ . As a control, KBM medium containing no test sample was cultured in the same manner.
After culturing, the culture medium was discarded, total RNA was extracted with ISOGEN II (manufactured by Nippon Gene, Cat. No. 311-07361), and the amount of each RNA was measured with a spectrophotometer so as to reach 200 ng/μL. Total RNA was prepared at .
Using this total RNA as a template, the expression levels of SPT and internal standard GAPDH mRNA were measured. Detection was performed using a real-time PCR device Smart Cycler (registered trademark) (manufactured by Cepheid) and TakaRa SYBR (registered trademark) Prime Script (trademark) RT-PCR kit (Perfect Real Time) (manufactured by Takara Bio Inc., code No. RR063A ) by a real-time two-step RT-PCR reaction. The expression level of SPT mRNA was corrected with the value of GAPDH mRNA based on total RNA preparations prepared from cells cultured with "test sample added" and "test sample not added". From the obtained values, the SPT mRNA expression promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula 3. Table 3 shows the results.
<Formula 3>
SPT mRNA expression promotion rate (%) = A/B x 100
A to B in Formula 3 each represent the following.
A: Correction value when test sample is added B: Correction value when test sample is not added

From the results in Table 3, fermenting the extract of Glychyrrhiza glabra with Lactobacillus plantarum produced a fermented licorice extract having an excellent serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) mRNA expression promoting effect. confirmed to be obtained.

(Test Example 4: Hyaluronic acid synthase 3 (HAS3) mRNA expression promoting action test)
Using the extracts or fermented extracts obtained in Production Example 1 and Comparative Production Example 1 as test samples, the hyaluronic acid synthase 3 (HAS3) mRNA expression promoting action was tested by the following test method.

After culturing normal human neonatal epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) using a normal human epidermal keratinocyte growth medium (KGM), the cells were collected by trypsinization. Using KGM, 2 mL of the recovered cells were seeded in each 35 mm petri dish (40×10 ⁴ cells/dish) and cultured overnight at 37° C. and 5% CO ₂ .
After culturing, the medium was replaced with a normal human epidermal keratinocyte basal medium (KBM, the KGM medium without addition of growth factors (hEGF, BPE, insulin)). After 24 hours, the culture medium was discarded, 2 mL of the test sample dissolved in KBM (see Table 4 below for sample concentration) was added to each petri dish, and cultured for 24 hours at 37° C. and 5% CO ₂ . As a control, KBM medium containing no test sample was cultured in the same manner.
After culturing, the culture medium was discarded, total RNA was extracted with ISOGEN II (manufactured by Nippon Gene, Cat. No. 311-07361), and the amount of each RNA was measured with a spectrophotometer so as to reach 200 ng/μL. Total RNA was prepared at .
Using this total RNA as a template, expression levels of HAS3 and internal standard GAPDH mRNAs were measured. Detection was performed using a real-time PCR device Smart Cycler (registered trademark) (manufactured by Cepheid) and TakaRa SYBR (registered trademark) Prime Script (trademark) RT-PCR kit (Perfect Real Time) (manufactured by Takara Bio Inc., code No. RR063A ) by a real-time two-step RT-PCR reaction. The expression level of HAS3 mRNA was corrected with the value of GAPDH mRNA based on total RNA preparations prepared from cells cultured with "test sample added" and "test sample not added". From the obtained values, the HAS3 mRNA expression promotion rate (%) was calculated by the following formula 4. Table 4 shows the results.
<Formula 4>
HAS3 mRNA expression promotion rate (%) = A/B x 100
A to B in formula 4 each represent the following.
A: Correction value when test sample is added B: Correction value when test sample is not added

From the results of Table 4, by fermenting the Glycyrrhiza glabra extract with Lactobacillus plantarum , licorice extract fermentation having excellent hyaluronic acid synthase 3 (HAS3) mRNA expression promoting action It was confirmed that something was obtained.

(Composition example 1)
A milky lotion having the following composition was prepared by a conventional method.
・G. Fermented glabra extract (manufacturing example 1) 0.01 g
・ Jojoba oil 4.00g
・ 1,3-butylene glycol 3.00 g
・ Arbutin 3.00g
- Polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (20 E.O.) 2.50 g
・ Olive oil 2.00g
・ Squalane 2.00g
・ Cetanol 2.00g
・ 2.00 g of glyceryl monostearate
・ 2.00 g of polyoxyethylene sorbitan oleate (20E.O.)
・ 0.15 g of methyl paraoxybenzoate
・ Stearyl glycyrrhizinate 0.10g
・ Huangji extract 0.10g
・ Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate 0.10g
・ Ginkgo biloba extract 0.10g
・ Conchiolin 0.10g
・ Phellodendron bark extract 0.10g
・ Chamomile extract 0.10g
・ Perfume 0.05g
・ Remainder of purified water (the total amount shall be 100 g)

(Formulation example 2)
A cream having the following composition was produced by a conventional method.
・G. glabra extract fermented product (manufacturing example 1) 0.05g
・ Kujin extract 0.1g
・ Scutellaria root extract 0.1g
・ Liquid paraffin 5.0g
・ White beeswax 4.0g
・ Squalane 10.0g
・ Cetanol 3.0g
・ Lanolin 2.0g
・ 1.0 g of stearic acid
・ 1.5 g of polyoxyethylene sorbitan oleate (20 E.O.)
・ 3.0 g of glyceryl monostearate
・Oil-soluble licorice extract 0.1g
・ 1,3-butylene glycol 6.0 g
・ 1.5 g of methyl paraoxybenzoate
・ Perfume 0.1g
・ Remainder of purified water (the total amount shall be 100 g)

(Composition example 3)
A beauty essence having the following composition was prepared by a conventional method.
・G. Fermented glabra extract (manufacturing example 1) 0.01 g
・ Chamomile extract 0.1g
・ Carrot extract 0.1g
・Xanthan gum 0.3g
・ 0.1 g of hydroxyethyl cellulose
・ Carboxyvinyl polymer 0.1 g
・ 4.0 g of 1,3-butylene glycol
・ Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate 0.1g
・ 2.0 g of glycerin
・ Potassium hydroxide 0.25g
・ Perfume 0.01g
・ Preservative (methyl parahydroxybenzoate) 0.15g
・ Ethanol 2.0g
・ Remainder of purified water (the total amount shall be 100 g)

(Composition example 4)
Tablets having the following composition were produced by a conventional method.
・G. Fermented glabra extract (manufacturing example 1) 5.0 mg
・ Dolomite (containing 20% calcium and 10% magnesium) 83.4 mg
・ Casein phosphopeptide 16.7 mg
・Vitamin C 33.4mg
・ Maltitol 136.8 mg
・ Collagen 12.7mg
・ Sucrose fatty acid ester 12.0 mg

(Composition example 5)
An oral liquid preparation having the following composition was prepared by a conventional method.
・G. Fermented glabra extract (Production Example 1) 0.3% by mass
・ Sorbit 12.0% by mass
・ Sodium benzoate 0.1% by mass
・ Perfume 1.0% by mass
・ Calcium sulfate 0.5% by mass
・ Remainder of purified water (100% by mass)

FERM P-21409
FERM P-21411
FERM P-21410

Claims (3)

Contains licorice extract fermented product,
The fermented licorice extract is a fermented licorice extract by microorganisms,
The licorice is Glychyrrhiza glabra,
A whitening agent, wherein the microorganism is Lactobacillus plantarum. 2. The whitening agent according to claim 1, which has a tyrosinase activity inhibitory action. A skin cosmetic comprising the whitening agent according to any one of claims 1 and 2.