JPWO2009063885A1 - Maitake extract and composition for promoting hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) production containing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a maitake extract and a composition containing the same that more effectively promote the production of hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan). A maitake extract obtained by extracting dry maitake with pure ethanol and a composition for promoting hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) production containing the same.

Description

  The present invention relates to a maitake extract and a composition for promoting hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) production containing the same.

  As an ethanol extract of maitake, a tyrosinase inhibitory effect, an α-amylase inhibitory effect, a skin moistening effect, and an immune decrease suppressing effect have been known (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  Further, the present inventor has shown that a pure ethanol extract of dried maitake fruit bodies exhibits sebum production / secretion-promoting action due to the promotion of sebum biosynthesis in human and hamster sebaceous glands. It has been filed to bring about clinical improvement effects. In other words, it has been filed that a pure ethanol extract of dried maitake fruit bodies improves skin barrier function due to the promotion of sebum production and is effective not only for daily skin care but also for disease prevention and treatment.

  On the other hand, it is important to regulate biosynthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) -related molecules such as collagen, which is a skin structural protein, elastin that gives skin flexibility and elasticity, and hyaluronic acid that controls the skin's moisturizing function. (Non-Patent Document 1). It is known that these extracellular matrix (ECM) -related molecules are mainly producing cells of fibroblasts present in the dermis of the skin.

However, there has been no known regulation of the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) -related molecules by pure ethanol extract of dried maitake fruiting bodies. Therefore, in normal human skin fibroblasts, the production regulation of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid by the pure ethanol extract of dried maitake fruit bodies was analyzed at the gene level. It was found that the extract promotes the expression of hyaluronic acid synthase, that is, promotes the production of hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-121905 JP 2000-319192 A JP-A-11-263732 Baumann L. Skin ageing and its treatment. J. Pathol. 211: 241-251, 2007

  The present invention is to provide a maitake extract and a composition containing the same that more effectively promote the production of hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan).

  As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that a pure ethanol extract of dried maitake (maitake-derived ethanol extract) has an excellent hyaluronic acid production-promoting effect. It came.

That is, the present invention is as follows.
(1) Maitake extract obtained by extracting dry maitake with pure ethanol;
(2) The maitake extract according to (1), wherein the moisture content of the dried maitake is 8% by weight or less;
(3) Maitake extract according to (1) or (2), wherein the pure ethanol contains 99.0% by volume or more of ethanol;
(4) A composition for promoting hyaluronic acid production, comprising the maitake extract according to any one of (1) to (3);
(5) The composition according to (4), which is in the form of a cosmetic;
(6) The composition according to (4), which is in the form of a medicine;
(7)
(a) dissolving the maitake extract described in (1) above in chloroform-methanol (19: 1);
(b) adding the solution of the above-mentioned maitake extract to a normal phase silica gel column equilibrated with chloroform-methanol (19: 1);
(c) eluting in the order of chloroform-methanol (19: 1), chloroform-methanol (9: 1), chloroform-methanol (4: 1), methanol,
(d) developing a portion of the eluate with chloroform-methanol (9: 1) on thin layer silica gel, and
(e) obtaining an eluate having an Rf value of 1.0 ≧ Rf value> 0.45 and / or 0.07> Rf value ≧ 0;
A method for producing a hyaluronic acid production-promoting eluate having a Rf value of 1.0 ≧ Rf value> 0.45 and / or 0.07> Rf value ≧ 0;
(8) Hyaluronic acid production-promoting eluate obtained by the production method described in (7) above and having an Rf value of 1.0 ≧ Rf value> 0.45 and / or 0.07> Rf value ≧ 0.

  According to the present invention, since the production of hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) can be effectively promoted, skin disorders / abnormalities and diseases accompanied by a decrease in hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan), joints accompanied by a decrease in hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) Disorders / abnormalities and diseases, and eye disorders / abnormalities and eye diseases associated with a decrease in hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) can be effectively improved.

The hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) gene expression promotion by the maitake extract in human skin fibroblasts is shown. *: Untreated group (p <0.05). The effect of a maitake extract on type I collagen α1 mRNA expression in human skin fibroblasts is shown. ***: untreated group (p <0.001). The effect of a maitake extract on the expression of elastin mRNA in human skin fibroblasts is shown. *: Untreated group (p <0.05). The promotion effect of a maitake extract with respect to hyaluronic acid (HA) production of a human skin fibroblast is shown. 4MU (4-methylumbelliferone, HAS inhibitor). * And **: untreated group (p <0.05 and 0.01). ## and ##: Maitake extract (100 μg / ml) treatment group (p <0.01 and 0.001). The promotion effect of the fraction component (M1-M5) of a maitake extract with respect to hyaluronic acid (HA) production of a human skin fibroblast is shown. IL-1 (interleukin 1, 10 ng / ml). * And **: untreated group (p <0.05 and 0.01). The effect | action of a maitake extract and its fraction component with respect to proMMP-1 and TIMP-2 gene expression in a human skin fibroblast is shown. Human fibroblasts were treated with maitake extract or fractionated components thereof (M1-M5) (n = 1 / treatment) for 24 hours. ProMMP-1 (A) and TIMP-2 mRNA expression (B) in the collected cells were quantified. Maitake extract promoted proMMP-1 mRNA expression but conversely suppressed TIMP-2 gene expression. M5 had little effect on proMMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA expression. On the other hand, proMMP-1 gene expression was promoted by M2 and M3, and TIMP-2 gene expression was suppressed by M1. Furthermore, interleukin 1α (IL-1) (10 ng / ml) promoted proMMP-1 mRNA expression but did not affect TIMP-2 gene expression. The promotion effect of the maitake extract on proMMP-1 (A) and TIMP-2 (B) production in human skin fibroblasts is shown. IL-1 (interleukin 1, 10 ng / ml). * And **: untreated group (p <0.05 and 0.01). The amount of hyaluronic acid in the culture broth of cells treated with human fibroblasts for 24 hours with the maitake extract M5 fraction component (M5-1-M5-8) (n = 1 / treatment) was quantified. In M5-3 to M5-8, an increase in the amount of hyaluronic acid was observed. IL-1 (interleukin 1, 10 ng / ml). It is the photograph of the skin before the treatment of the test subject 5 by the maitake extract containing cream.

  The present invention relates to a maitake extract obtained by extracting dry maitake with pure ethanol.

  The maitake in the present invention refers to a mushroom of the genus Polyporaceae Grifola, such as Grifola frondosa, Grifola albicans, Grifola umbellatus, Grifola gigantean and the like. . The maitake mushroom in the present invention is preferably Gryfora frontosa. Maitake may be either a fruit body or a mycelium, but a fruit body is preferred.

  The dried maitake, the raw material for extraction, refers to maitake having a moisture content of 10% by weight or less. The dried maitake preferably has a water content of 8% by weight or less, more preferably 7% by weight or less. Dry maitake can be obtained by dehydrating and drying raw maitake by any method (for example, sun drying, heat drying, vacuum drying, freeze drying, etc.). The dry maitake is preferably in the form of a powder.

  Pure ethanol in the present invention refers to ethanol containing 98.0% by volume or more of ethanol at 15 ° C. Pure ethanol preferably contains 99.0% by volume or more, more preferably 99.5% by volume or more of ethanol.

  Extraction of dry maitake with pure ethanol is performed by adding pure ethanol to dry maitake, which is a raw material, and then stirring at room temperature or under heating for a certain period of time. The heating temperature is usually a temperature below the boiling point of ethanol, but can also be a temperature below 120 ° C. in a closed container. A preferable extraction temperature is room temperature (room temperature). Although extraction time is not specifically limited, For example, it is about 5 minutes-10 hours. Extraction can be performed once or more than once.

  The amount of pure ethanol used in the extraction with respect to dry maitake is 100 to 1000 parts by weight, preferably 200 to 600 parts by weight, more preferably 300 to 500 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of dry maitake.

  After the extraction treatment, a pure ethanol extract can be obtained by separation means such as filtration with filter paper or filter cloth or centrifugation.

  The pure ethanol extract of maitake in the present invention may be in the above ethanol extract. Alternatively, the pure ethanol extract may be in the form of an extract obtained by completely or partially removing ethanol from the extract by a conventional method. That is, it may be an extract powder substantially free of ethanol or an extract extract containing 1 to 50% by weight of ethanol. An extract containing 10 to 15% by weight of ethanol is a preferred embodiment because of its good storage stability. The pure ethanol extract is obtained in a yield of 2 to 10% by weight, more specifically 3 to 5% by weight (as solids) based on dry maitake. The active ingredient in the pure ethanol extract is unknown, but the pure ethanol extract contains phospholipids and plant steroids.

The present invention includes a composition for promoting hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan) production containing the extract.
Hyaluronic acid is a type of glycosaminoglycan (mucopolysaccharide) that has a repeating structure consisting of disaccharides in which N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid are linked.
(Where n is an integer of 1 or more)
Can be expressed as Hyaluronic acid is also called hyaluronan.

The composition of the present invention includes a form of food, particularly food for promoting hyaluronic acid production.
The composition of the present invention promotes hyaluronic acid production, so that the skin can be kept moisturized, moisturized, flexible and elastic, and can be used to protect and repair the epidermis caused by ultraviolet rays, and to regenerate the skin. Can also be triggered. Accordingly, the present invention includes a composition for promoting hyaluronic acid production comprising the above extract in the form of a cosmetic.

  The composition of the present invention in the form of a cosmetic may contain conventional carriers, excipients, additives and the like formulated in the cosmetic. Used as cosmetics for preventing rough skin, improving skin texture, improving skin flexibility, improving skin elasticity, improving skin wrinkles and sagging, improving skin moisture retention, etc. be able to. Cosmetic dosage forms include face wash (face wash cream, foam, gel cosmetics, etc.), skin conditioning (lotion, serum, etc.), protection (milk, moisture cream, etc.), pack, oil, massage cosmetics. , Base makeup (foundation, white powder, etc. sunscreen, tanning cosmetics, etc.), point makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner, etc.), bathing (soap, body shampoo, bathing cosmetics, etc.), suncare (sun Screen, tanning cosmetics, etc.), and for hair growth / hair growth (hair growth, hair tonic, etc.). In these cosmetics, an effective amount of a maitake extract is blended in an effective amount, for example, 0.1 to 99.9 wt%, preferably 1 to 99 wt% in terms of an extract (a maitake extract substantially free of ethanol). In the remaining part, a conventional carrier, excipient, additive or the like is blended.

  Furthermore, the extract in the present invention has an improving effect on skin disorders or skin diseases accompanied by a decrease in hyaluronic acid production. Moreover, the extract in this invention has an improvement effect with respect to the joint disorder | damage | failure or joint disease accompanying the reduction | decrease of hyaluronic acid production. In addition, the extract of the present invention has an improving effect on eye disorders / abnormalities and eye diseases accompanied by a decrease in hyaluronic acid. Accordingly, the present invention includes a composition in the form of a medicament for treating or preventing the disorder or disease associated with the decrease in hyaluronic acid production.

Skin disorders or skin diseases associated with decreased hyaluronic acid production include psoriasis (dry skin), ichthyosis, photoaging, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, pressure ulcers (bed sores) and skin dysfunction due to burns It is done. Preferred are photoaging, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, skin dysfunction due to pressure sores (bed sores) and burns.
Further, examples of joint disorders or joint diseases accompanied by a decrease in hyaluronic acid production include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are preferable.
In addition, examples of eye disorders or diseases associated with a decrease in hyaluronic acid production include corneal epithelial disorders, eye strain, and dry eye. Preferably, it is dry eye. Dry eye means a state in which tears are insufficient or a tear component changes to cause damage on the surface of the eye, and includes lacrimal secretion and dry keratoconjunctivitis.

  The object of treatment or prevention used in the present invention is a mammal, for example, a pet such as a human, a dog, or a cat, or a domestic animal such as a cow, pig, or chicken, and is preferably a human.

  The composition of the present invention in the form of a medicine may contain conventional carriers, excipients, additives and the like blended with the medicine. Examples of pharmaceutical dosage forms include creams, sublingual agents, massage oils, solutions, suspensions, lotions, ointments, gels, tablets, capsules, granules, powders, syrups, suppositories, and the like. An effective amount, for example, 0.1 to 99.9% by weight, preferably 1 to 99%, of a maitake extract (state substantially free of ethanol) is blended with these pharmaceuticals. In the remaining part, a conventional carrier, excipient, additive or the like is blended.

Conventional carriers, excipients, or additives blended in cosmetics or medicines include solvents, vegetable oils (eg, almond oil, castor oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, olive oil) Edible oils such as palm oil, peanut oil, poppy seed oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and tea seed oil), mineral oil, fatty oil, liquid paraffin, buffering agent, preservative, wetting agent, Examples include chelating agents, antioxidants, stabilizers, emulsifiers, suspending agents, gel forming agents, ointment bases, suppository bases, penetration enhancers, fragrances, and skin protection agents.
Solvents include but are not limited to water, alcohol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, liquid polyalkylsiloxanes and mixtures thereof.

Buffering agents include, but are not limited to, citric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, hydrogen phosphate, diethylamine, and mixtures thereof.
Wetting agents include, but are not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, pentylene glycol, sorbitol, lactic acid, urea, BG (1,3-butylene glycol), soy sterol, and mixtures thereof. .

Chelating agents include, but are not limited to sodium EDTA, citric acid and mixtures thereof.
Antioxidants include, but are not limited to, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), ascorbic acid and its derivatives, tocopherol and its derivatives, cysteine, and mixtures thereof.

  The emulsifiers include natural rubber (eg, acacia gum), tragacanth gum, xanthan gum; natural phosphatide (eg, soy lecithin); sorbitan monooleate derivative; wool fat; wool alcohol; sorbitan ester; monoglyceride; fatty alcohol (eg behenyl alcohol); Fatty acid esters (e.g., triglycerides of fatty acids such as tri (capryl / capric acid) glyceryl, glyceryl stearate (SE)); and mixtures thereof, but are not limited thereto.

  Suspending agents include cellulose and its derivatives (eg carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, etc.), carrageenan, acacia gum, gum arabic, tragacanth and mixtures thereof. There is no limit.

  Gel bases and thickening components include liquid paraffin, polyethylene, fatty oil, colloidal silica or aluminum, zinc soap, glycerol, propylene glycol, tragacanth, carboxyvinyl polymer, magnesium silicate-aluminum, hydrophilic polymers (eg starch Cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose and other cellulose derivatives), water-swellable hydrocolloids, carrageenan, hyaluronic acid salts (eg hyaluronic acid gels selectively containing sodium chloride), alginate esters (eg propylene alginate) Glycol) and mixtures thereof, but are not limited thereto.

Ointment base includes beeswax, paraffin, cetanol, cetyl palmitate, cetearyl alcohol, polyglyceryl-10 stearate, stearic acid, PEG-150 stearate, vegetable oil, fatty acid sorbitan ester, polyethylene glycol, fatty acid sorbitan ester and oxidized Examples include, but are not limited to, condensation products with ethylene (for example, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate) and mixtures thereof.
Hydrophobic ointment bases include, but are not limited to paraffins, vegetable oils, animal fats, synthetic glycerides, waxes, lanolin, liquid polyalkylsiloxanes and mixtures thereof.

  The hydrophilic ointment base includes, but is not limited to, solid macrogol (polyethylene glycol). Furthermore, conventional carriers, excipients, or additives include squalane, lecithin, hydrogenated lecithin, ascorbyl tetrahexyldecanoate, allantoin, glycyrrhizic acid 2K, glycosyl trehalose, hydrolyzed hydrogenated starch hydrolyzed collagen rose extract, Examples include dimethicone, caprylyl glycol, betaine, sodium stearoyl glutamate, Novara oil, batyl alcohol, and hydroproxyproline.

  The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may further comprise other agents for the treatment or prevention of diseases or disorders associated with decreased hyaluronic acid production.

  The effective dose for treating or preventing a disease or disorder associated with a decrease in hyaluronic acid production used in the present invention varies depending on the degree of the disease or disorder and the administration method, and is effective for promoting hyaluronic acid production. Although it will not be limited if it is an amount, the amount of the maitake extract (in the form of an extract powder substantially free of ethanol) is 0.1 to 1000 mg / kg body weight / day, preferably 1 to 500 mg / kg body weight / day, More preferably, it is 10-100 mg / kg body weight · day.

  The administration used in the present invention may be systemic administration or local administration. Systemic administration or local administration may be transdermal administration, sublingual administration, oral administration, enteral administration, intramuscular administration, subcutaneous administration, intravenous administration. Any administration form such as nasal administration, eye drop etc. may be used. Preferred are transdermal administration, sublingual administration, and eye drops.

  Accordingly, the present invention relates to the use of a maitake extract for producing the above pharmaceutical composition. The present invention also relates to a method for treating or preventing a disease or disorder associated with a decrease in hyaluronic acid production by promoting hyaluronic acid production, comprising administering the above pharmaceutical composition to a mammal. Is.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example etc. demonstrate this invention, this invention is not limited to this.

1. Production of maitake extract 4000 g of pure ethanol (water content: 99.5% by volume or more) is added to 1000 g of sterilized dry powder of maitake (water content: 6% by weight, maitake made by Hokuto Co., Ltd.) Extract with stirring at temperature for 18 hours. The residue was removed by centrifugation, and the resulting supernatant was filtered through filter paper. Ethanol was evaporated and removed from the obtained filtrate to obtain a pure ethanol extract of maitake (yield 43.2 g, internal solid content 37.2 g and ethanol 6.0 g).

2. Human fibroblast culture and treatment method Normal human fibroblast NB1RGB (RCB0222) was purchased from RIKEN BioResource Center, and 10% (v / v) fetal bovine serum (FBS) -containing Dulbecco's modified Culture was performed using Eagle's medium (DMEM, purchased from Invitrogen). The maitake extract treatment was performed in the absence of serum. In other words, confluent human fibroblasts cultured in a 60 mm dish contain maitake extract or transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) (20 ng / ml, purchased from R & D Systems), an extracellular matrix synthesis promoting factor. The cells were cultured in% (v / v) lactalbumin hydrolysate (LAH, purchased from Sigma-Aldrich) / DMEM for 24 hours.

3. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) method (1) Extraction of total RNA Extraction of total RNA from cells is purchased from Isogen (Nippon Gene) ) In accordance with the attached operation method. That is, Isogen (0.8 ml) was added to cells cultured in the maitake extract or TGF-β to lyse the cells, and chloroform (0.16 ml) was added to the lysate and mixed. After centrifugation (10000 rotations / minute, 10 minutes), the upper aqueous layer fraction was recovered, and isopropanol having the same volume as the recovered aqueous layer was added and mixed. After centrifugation (10000 rpm / 10 minutes), the supernatant was removed and the precipitated RNA was recovered. The recovered RNA was further mixed with 75% by volume of ethanol (0.8 ml). After centrifugation (10000 rpm / minute, 10 minutes), the supernatant was completely removed and the RNA was air-dried. The extracted total RNA was dissolved in sterilized distilled water containing no nuclease, and its absorbance at 260 nm was quantified by measuring with a spectrophotometer (UV-1600, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). This total RNA can be extracted without using Isogen, as reported by Chomczynski P and Sacchi N (Chomczynski, P. and Sacchi, N. Single-step method of RNA isolation by acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction. Anal Biochem. 162: 156-159 (1987)).

(2) Reverse transcriptase reaction
The QuantiTect ^R Reverse Transcription Kit (purchased from QIAGEN) was used and the attached operating method was followed. Specifically, 7 × g DNA Wipeout Buffer was added to total RNA (1 μg) to make a total volume of 14 μl, and genomic DNA removal reaction was performed at 42 ° C. for 2 minutes. Subsequently, 5 × Quantiscript RT Buffer, RT Primer Mix and Quantiscript Reverse Transcriptase (RT) were added to the total volume of the genomic DNA removal reaction solution to make a total volume of 20 μl, and a reverse transcription reaction was performed at 42 ° C. for 15 minutes. Next, the reaction was stopped by heat treatment at 95 ° C. for 3 minutes to synthesize single-stranded cDNA.

In addition, this reverse transcriptase reaction can also be implemented based on the following method, without using QuantiTect ^R Reverse Transcription Kit. That is, DNA mixed in the extracted RNA solution can be removed by reacting with deoxyribonuclease (5 unist) in a DNase reaction solution (40 mM Tris-HCl, 2 mM MgCl ₂ , 0.3 mM CaCl ₂ , pH 7.9). Also, add 11 μl of extracted RNA (1 μg) in an aqueous solution containing 5 μl reaction solution (250 mM Tris-HCl, 200 mM KCl, 30 mM MgCl ₂ , 50 mM dithiothreitol, pH 8.3) 4 μl, deoxyribonucleotide mixture solution ( 2 μl of dATP, dGTP, dCTP and dTTP (each containing 10 mM) 2 μl, oligo dT primer (50 pmol / μl) 1 μl, RNase inhibitor (20 units / μl) 1 μl, RT (Reverse Transcriptase, 50 units / μl) 1 Complementary DNA (cDNA) can be synthesized by adding μl to a total volume of 20 μl and reacting at 37 ° C. for 1 hour.

(3) Real-time polymerase chain reaction
Human hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) primer kit (QuantiTect (registered trademark) Primer Assays, purchased from QIAGEN), primer specific for human type I collagen α1, human, using single-stranded cDNA synthesized by RT reaction as a template Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed using a primer specific for elastin and a primer specific for human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). That is, RT reaction solution was diluted 40-fold with sterilized distilled water, 2 μl of the diluted solution was 3 μl of sterilized distilled water, SYBR (registered trademark) Premix Ex Taq ^TM II (purchased from Takara Bio), 6.25 μl, HAS Add 1.25 μl of the primer kit to a total volume of 12.5 μl and use the Thermal Cycler Dice (registered trademark) Real Time System (Takara Bio) for 45 cycles (1 cycle: 94 ° C for 5 seconds; 60 ° C for 30 seconds) PCR reaction was performed.

For human type I collagen α1, human elastin or human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), instead of the HAS primer kit, each sense primer (each 10 μM; SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5) ) 0.625 μl and antisense primer (10 μM each; SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, 6) were added in the same manner.
The results were relatively quantified using the comparative Ct method (ΔΔCt method) with GAPDH as an internal standard gene. The ΔΔCt method is based on the theory that the initial amount can be calculated if the number of cycles required to reach a certain amount of amplified DNA product is known. The initial method of complementary DNA (cDNA) that serves as a template for PCR The quantity can be expressed as a cycle number. This method uses the theory (2 ^−ΔΔCt ) that the difference in detection in one cycle is twice the difference in gene dosage. Therefore, in the ΔΔCt method, the gene amount of the unknown sample can be relatively quantified from the increase / decrease in the number of cycles of the unknown sample as compared with the reference gene (internal standard gene).

Primers used other than the purchased human HAS (Cat. No. QT00027510) primer kit are as follows.
Human type I collagen α1 (Accession No. NM_000088.3): sense primer (SEQ ID NO: 1), 5′-CAGCAGATCGAGAACATCCG-3 ′ and antisense primer (SEQ ID NO: 2), 5′-TCTTGAGGTCACGGCAGGTG-3 ′;
Human elastin (Accession No. M36860.1): sense primer (SEQ ID NO: 3), 5′-TGGACTTGGAGTTGGTGTCG-3 ′ and antisense primer (SEQ ID NO: 4), 5′-CAGGCACTGCTGCTCCATATTT-3 ′;
Human GAPDH (Accession No. M33197.1): sense primer (SEQ ID NO: 5), 5'-GGTGAAGGTCGGAGTCAACG-3 'and antisense primer (SEQ ID NO: 6), 5'-GGCAACAATATCCACTTTACCAGA-3'.
These primers were prepared by requesting synthesis from Operon Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

The real-time polymerase chain reaction can also be performed based on the PCR method described below without using QuantiTect (registered trademark) Primer Assays. That is, to the cDNA-containing solution (2 μl) after RT reaction, 5 μl of 10 x PCR reaction solution (100 mM Tris-HCl, 15 mM MgCl ₂ , 500 mM KCl, pH 8.3), deoxyribonucleotide mixture solution (dATP, dGTP, Add 2 μl of dCTP and dTTP (each containing 10 mM), 2 μl of sense primer (10 μM), 2 μl of antisense primer (10 μM), 0.5 μl of Taq DNA polymerase (100 units / μl), and 36.5 μl of sterile distilled water Perform the PCR method with a total volume of 50 μl. The PCR reaction is carried out for 35 to 45 cycles with one cycle of 92 ° C. for 40 seconds, 60 ° C. for 40 seconds, and 72 ° C. for 60 seconds. The synthesized DNA is separated by electrophoresis using a 2 wt% agarose gel containing 0.5 μg / ml ethidium bromide, and the DNA synthesized by ultraviolet irradiation is comparatively quantified.

Human hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) primer is a primer with the following sequence instead of the kit primer:
HAS sense primer (SEQ ID NO: 7): 5'-GTGTTATACATGTCGAGTTTACTTCC-3 '
HAS antisense primer (SEQ ID NO: 8): 5'-GTCATATTGTTGTCCCTTCTTCCGC-3 '
(Yamada, Y., Itano, N., Hata, K., Ueda, M., and Kimata, K. Differential regulation by IL-1beta and EGF of expression of three different hyaluronan synthases in oral mucosal epithelial cells and fibroblasts and dermal fibroblasts: quantitative analysis using real-time RT-PCR. J. Invest. Dermatol. 122: 631-639, 2004.).

(4) Statistical processing
A significant difference test was performed between each treatment by Fisher's multivariate analysis of variance.

4). Experimental Results (1) In normal human fibroblasts, it was revealed that the maitake extract promotes HAS mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner (FIG. 1). That is, the HAS mRNA level was significantly increased 5.4 times in the 100 μg / ml maitake extract, 22.4 times in the 200 μg / ml, and 23.0 times in the 400 μg / ml. TGF-β (20 ng / ml) also promoted HAS mRNA expression by 9.3 times.
(2) As shown in FIG. 2, it was found that the maitake extract did not affect the gene expression of type I collagen α1 chain. On the other hand, TGF-β (20 ng / ml) significantly promoted its mRNA expression (2.4 times).
(3) As shown in FIG. 3, it was clarified that the maitake extract did not affect elastin mRNA expression. On the other hand, TGF-β (20 ng / ml) significantly promoted its mRNA expression (4.9 times).

5. DISCUSSION In normal human dermal fibroblasts, maitake extract does not affect the expression of skin structural proteins collagen and elastin, but is the first to promote the expression of HAS gene, a synthase of hyaluronic acid that moisturizes the skin. Revealed. Therefore, the maitake extract promotes the biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid (Carruthers J, Carruthers A. Hyaluronic acid gel in skin rejuvenation. J. Drugs Dermatol. 5: 959-964, 2006.), an endogenous moisturizing factor. It is strongly suggested to be a hyaluronic acid production promoter (hyaluronic acid production promoter) that enhances skin moisture. In addition, the maitake extract is expected to exert an anti-aging effect of replenishing hyaluronic acid that decreases with aging from the inside by acting on and activating fibroblasts. Furthermore, the hyaluronic acid production promoting action by the maitake extract is expected to be effective for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and dry eye accompanied by a decrease in hyaluronic acid.

Preparation of fraction components from maitake extract prepared in Experimental Method 1 and Example 1 Normal phase silica gel (BW-300, manufactured by Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd .; using a glass open column with an inner diameter of 35 mm x 280 mm) According to the column chromatography method used, the maitake extract (8.88 g) prepared in Example 1 was dissolved in 15 ml of chloroform-methanol (19: 1), added to normal phase silica gel, and then the mobile phase was changed. (Chloroform-methanol (19: 1, 1000 ml used) → chloroform-methanol (9: 1, 800 ml used) → chloroform-methanol (4: 1, 800 ml used) → methanol only (1000 ml used)) Then, about 60 ml each was collected. The first fraction collected was Fr1, and all 60 fractions were separated. Next, a part of all the separated fractions (Fr1-60) was taken and developed in a thin layer silica gel (TLC) plate (10 cm x 10 cm, Silica gel 60F254 # 1.05715.0009, manufactured by Merck) Development was performed using methanol (9: 1) (expansion distance: 8 cm). The separated component was detected by spraying a TLC plate with UV (254 nm), spraying with 10% sulfuric acid reagent, and further heating. As a result, the following 5 fractions (M1 to M5) comprising the same component group were obtained (Table 1). That is, the fraction having a relative mobility (Rf value) of 0.98 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.50 is M1, the fraction having an Rf value of 0.45 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.29 is M2, the fraction having an Rf value of 0.28 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.16 is M3, Rf The fraction with a value of 0.13 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.07 was summarized as M4, and the fraction with an Rf value of 0.07> Rf value ≧ 0 was summarized as M5. Each fraction component was calculated by a tare elimination method as the yield after drying under reduced pressure. Each component was adjusted to 400 mg / ml with 100% EtOH and added to the cell culture system.

Preparation of Fractionation Component of Maitake Extract Fraction 5 (M5) Prepared in Experimental Method 1 and Example 2 Normal Phase Silica Gel (BW-300, manufactured by Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd .; made of glass with an inner diameter of 40 mm x 300 mm) The maitake extract fraction 5 (M5) (1.2 g) prepared in Example 2 was added to 20 ml chloroform-methanol-water (4: 1: 0.1) by column chromatography using an open column). Dissolve and add to normal phase silica gel, then separate with changing mobile phase (chloroform-methanol-water (4: 1: 0.1, 1700 ml used) → methanol only (300 ml used)), about 50 ml each Sorted. The first fraction collected was Fr1, and all 38 fractions were separated. Next, a portion of all the separated fractions (Fr1-38) was taken and placed in a thin layer silica gel (TLC) plate (10 cm x 10 cm, Silica gel 60F254 # 1.05715.0009, manufactured by Merck). Development was performed using methanol-water (4: 1: 0.1) (expansion distance: 8 cm). The separated component was detected by spraying a TLC plate with UV (254 nm), spraying with 10% sulfuric acid reagent, and further heating. As a result, the following 8 fractions (M5-1 to M5-8) consisting of the same component group were obtained (Table 2). That is, the fraction having a relative mobility (Rf value) of 0.32 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.12 is M5-1, the fraction having an Rf value of 0.24 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.11 is M5-2, and the fraction having an Rf value of 0.39 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.11 M5-3, Rf value 0.39 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.15 fraction M5-4, Rf value 0.20 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.15 fraction M5-5, Rf value 0.19 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.05 fraction M5 -6, the fraction of Rf value 0.11 ≧ Rf value ≧ 0.05 was summarized as M5-7, and the fraction of Rf value 0 as M5-8. Each fraction component was calculated by a tare elimination method as the yield after drying under reduced pressure. Each component was adjusted to 200 mg / ml with 100% EtOH and added to the cell culture system.

Human fibroblast culture and treatment method Normal human fibroblast NB1RGB (RCB0222) was purchased from RIKEN BioResource Center and contained 10% (v / v) fetal bovine serum (FBS) Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) was used for culture. Treatment of the maitake extract and its fraction components (M1-M5, M5-1-M5-8) was carried out in the absence of serum. That is, confluent human fibroblasts cultured in a 24-well multiplate or a 60 mm dish were transformed into a maitake extract (25-400 μg / ml), its fractional component (100-400 μg / ml), or interleukin 1α ( The cells were treated with 0.2% (v / v) lactalbumin hydrolysate (LAH)) / DMEM containing 10 ng / ml (manufactured by DS Pharma Biomedical) for 24 or 48 hours.

  Furthermore, in order to investigate the biosynthesis regulation of HA (hyaluronic acid), the maitake extract was similarly treated in the presence of the HAS inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU) (0.1-1 mM, Sigma-Aldrich). It was.

2. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) method (1) Extraction of total RNA Extraction of total RNA from cells and quantification of total RNA are as described in Example 1, 3 (1). As described above.

(2) Reverse Transcriptase Reaction Using the obtained total RNA, single-stranded cDNA was synthesized as described in 3 (2) of Example 1.

(3) Real-time polymerase chain reaction
Human precursor collagenase 1 (procollagenase 1 / proMMP-1 primer kit (QuantiTect (registered trademark) Primer Assays, catalog number QT00014581, purchased from QIAGEN)), human tissue matrix metallo Protease inhibitor 2 (TIMP-2) primer kit (QuantiTect® Primer Assays, catalog number QT00017759, purchased from QIAGEN) and human glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6) In accordance with the attached operation method by SYBR (registered trademark) Premix Ex Taq ^™ II (purchased from Takara Bio Inc.) as described in 3 (3) of Example 1, Each cDNA was amplified by PCR at a cycle of 94 ° C. for 5 seconds and 60 ° C. for 30 seconds.The results were relatively quantified using the ΔΔCt method with GAPDH as an internal standard gene.

  PCR for human precursor collagenase 1 (procollagenase 1 / proMMP-1) and human tissue matrix metalloprotease inhibitor 2 (TIMP-2) was performed in place of the human HAS primer kit in 3 (3) of Example 1. The same procedure as in (3) of Example 1-3 was performed using the above primer kit. Further, in place of the primer kit, each of the following sense primers (each 10 μM; SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 11) 0.625 μl and antisense primer (10 μM each; SEQ ID NOs: 10 and 12) 0.625 μl were added. It may be performed in the same manner as 1 (3).

The human proMMP-1 primer replaces the kit primer with the following sequence:
proMMP-1 sense primer (SEQ ID NO: 9): 5'-GGTGATGAAGCAGCCCAG-3 '
proMMP-1 antisense primer (SEQ ID NO: 10): 5'-CAGTAGAATGGGAGAGTC-3 '
(Lin, N., Sato, T., Takayama, Y., Mimaki, Y., Sashida, Y., Yano, M., and Ito, A. Novel anti-inflammatory actions of nobiletin, a citrus polymethoxy flavonoid, on Human synovial fibroblasts and mouse macrophages. Biochem. Pharmacol. 65: 2065-2071, 2003.).

Human TIMP-2 primer is a primer with the following sequence instead of the kit primer:
TIMP-2 sense primer (SEQ ID NO: 11): 5'-GGTACCAGATGGGCTGCGAG-3 '
TIMP-2 antisense primer (SEQ ID NO: 12): 5'-TTGGAGGCCTGCTTA-3 '
(Hirata, M., Sato, T., Tsumagari, M., Shimada, A., Nakano, H., Hashizume, K., and Ito A. Differential regulation of the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases by cytokines and growth factors in bovine endometrial stromal cells and trophoblast cell line BT-1 in vitro. Biol. Reprod. 68: 1276-1281, 2003.).

3. DNA quantification The amount of intracellular DNA was determined by the method of Johnson-Wint and Hollis (Johnson-Wint, B., and Hollis, SA rapid in situ deoxyribonucleic acid assay for determining cell number in culture and tissue. Anal. Biochem. 122 : 338-344, 1982.). That is, the cells treated in the above 1 were collected for each treatment using 0.25% (w / v) trypsin / 0.02% (w / v) EDTA solution (1.5 ml). The obtained cell suspension was subjected to ultrasonic treatment at 200 W for 6 seconds with a sealed ultrasonic cell crusher (manufactured by Cosmo Bio) for 5 minutes under ice cooling to obtain a sample solution. The sample solution (100 μl) was mixed with 160 μl of 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid dihydrochloride solution (400 mg / ml) (manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich) and reacted at 60 ° C. for 45 minutes. After completion of the reaction, 1.5 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid was added, and the fluorescence intensity (excitation wavelength: 430 nm, fluorescence wavelength: 535 nm) in the sample solution was measured with a microplate reader (Infinite F200, manufactured by Tecan Japan). In addition, the amount of DNA was calculated from a calibration curve prepared in the same manner by using testicular DNA (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries).

4. HA quantification The amount of HA in the culture medium collected after 24 or 48 hours of culture as described in 1 above was quantified using an HA ELISA kit (purchased from Seikagaku Corporation) according to the attached operation method. That is, HA in the collected culture medium for each treatment was bound to hyaluronic acid binding protein (HABP) immobilized on a microplate attached to the purchase kit, and then peroxidase-bound HABP was added to react. It was. Next, tetramethylbenzidine and hydrogen peroxide were added, and the absorbance at 450 nm was measured by a microplate reader (Infinite F200, manufactured by Tecan Japan). The amount of HA was calculated from a calibration curve simultaneously prepared using a standard HA solution (50-800 ng / ml). Alternatively, the amount of HA produced per unit cell in each treatment was expressed as a value (ng / μg DNA) obtained by dividing the measured amount of HA for each treatment by the amount of DNA for each treatment determined in 3 above.

  The HA quantification can also be performed based on the following method without using the HA ELISA kit. In other words, the collected culture solution was added to 96-well multiplate obtained by immobilizing recombinant human HABP (rHABP) (manufactured by Cosmo Bio) using a carbonate buffer solution (pH 8-9), and biotin bound to the bound HA. rHABP (manufactured by Cosmo Bio) is further bound. Next, peroxidase-conjugated avidin is added to form a biotin-avidin complex. Furthermore, tetramethylbenzidine and hydrogen peroxide are added, and the absorbance at 450 nm is measured by a microplate reader (Infinite F200, manufactured by Tecan Japan). The amount of HA is calculated from a calibration curve simultaneously prepared using a standard HA solution (50-800 ng / ml).

5. Western Blot Method Add trichloroacetic acid with a final concentration of 3.3% (w / v) to the cell culture collected after 24 or 48 hours of 1 above and leave at 4 ° C overnight to insolubilize proteins. I let you. After insoluble protein is precipitated by centrifugation (10,000 rpm / 10 minutes), the precipitate is dissolved in SDS-PAGE sample buffer containing 1% (v / v) 2-mercaptoethanol, and 12.5% (w / v ) SDS-PAGE was performed using polyacrylamide gel. After electrophoresis, the proteins in the gel were transferred to nitrocellulose membranes, blocking solution [5% nitrocellulose membrane according to a conventional method (w / v) fatty-free dry milk / 80 mM Na 2 HPO 4/100 mM NaCl / 0.1 % (v / v) Tween-20 (pH 7.5)] and blocked for 1 hour. Distilled water and PBS-T buffer [80 mM Na 2 HPO 4/100 mM NaCl / 0.1% (v / v) Tween-20 (pH 7.5)] After 2-3 washes each with, 1% (w / v ) Primary antibody diluted with BSA / PBS (-) [sheep anti- (human proMMP-1) or anti- (human TIMP-2) IgG, respectively, distributed by the Royal Institute of Kennedy Rheumatology, Professor Hideaki Nagase] Soaked gently for 8 hours at room temperature. After binding to the primary antibody, each was washed 2 to 3 times with distilled water and PBS-T buffer and diluted with 1% (w / v) BSA / PBS (-) [peroxidase-conjugated goat anti- (sheep IgG) IgG, manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich] solution was soaked at room temperature for 1 hour. After the secondary antibody was bound, it was immersed in ECL-Western Blotting Detection Reagents (purchased from Amersham Biosciences) in the ECL-Western Blotting Detection kit and allowed to react accurately for 1 minute. After completion of the reaction, the amounts of proMMP-1 and TIMP-2 were quantified with a lumino image analyzer LAS-1000 plus (Fuji Film).

  The Western blot method is an experimental method well known to those skilled in the art, and is described in detail in known experimental documents such as Michiko Kamiya Protein Experiment Handbook (Edited by Tadaomi Takenoha) Yodosha, p.152-157, 2003. ing.

In addition, an antibody can also be implemented using the following antibody of a commercial item, without using the said antibody.
Primary antibody
1) Anti-human MMP-1 monoclonal antibody (Part No .: F-67, manufactured by Daiichi Fine Chemical)
2) Anti-human TIMP-1 monoclonal antibody (part number: F-26, manufactured by Daiichi Fine Chemical)
Secondary antibody
peroxidase-conjugated rabbit anti- (mouse IgG) IgG (manufactured by Sigma-Aldrich)

6. Statistical processing
A significant difference test was performed between each treatment by Fisher's multivariate analysis of variance.

7. Experimental results (1) Normal human fibroblasts NB1RGB (RCB0222) constantly produced HA, and the maitake extract (25-100 μg / ml) enhanced HA production (FIG. 4). That is, the HA amount is 15.37 ± 1.56 μg / μg DNA in the untreated group, whereas it is 24.79 ± 2.75 μg / μg DNA in the 25 μg / ml maitake extract, and 26.08 ± in 50 μg / ml. 2.19 μg / μg DNA and 20.57 ± 1.46 μg / μg DNA at 100 μg / ml. HA production increased by the maitake extract (100 μg / ml) was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the HAS inhibitor 4MU (0.1-1 mM). Maitake extract promotes HA production due to enhanced HAS gene expression.

(2) In order to identify the maitake extract components that contribute to HA production promotion, the HA production regulation of the maitake extract fraction components was examined. As a result, concentration-dependent HA production promoting action was detected in the M1 and M5 fractions (FIG. 5). It was also found that the relative promoting activity was higher for M5 than for M1. That is, the HA amount in the untreated group is 580.21 ± 70.65 ng / ml, whereas it is 883.49 ± 159.21 ng / ml at 25 μg / ml of M1, and 1237.28 ± 405.80 ng / ml at 50 μg / ml. 1488.19 ± 527.23 ng / ml at 100 μg / ml, 1041.44 ± 186.71 ng / ml at 25 μg / ml of M5, 157.883 ± 298.10 ng / ml at 50 μg / ml, 100 μg / ml It was 2304.25 ± 499.97 ng / ml in ml. Furthermore, although the HA production was promoted at a low concentration in the M2-M4 fraction, the production was conversely suppressed at a high concentration.

(3) To examine the specificity of HA production promotion by maitake extract, maitake extract for gene expression of proMMP-1 and TIMP-2, which are known ECM metabolism related genes constitutively expressed in normal human fibroblasts And the effect of its fraction components was examined. Maitake extract promoted proMMP-1 mRNA expression and production in a concentration-dependent manner (FIGS. 6A and 7A). However, the maitake extract did not affect TIMP-2 mRNA expression and its production (FIGS. 6B and 7B). On the other hand, in the result of the fraction component of the maitake extract, the M5 fraction did not affect the expression of proMMP-1 mRNA (FIG. 6A). Increased proMMP-1 gene expression was observed in M2-M4 (FIG. 6A). Although the M1 fraction showed a tendency to suppress TIMP-2 mRNA expression, it hardly changed in all the fractions (FIG. 6B). Therefore, it was suggested that different maitake extract components may be involved in HA production and proMMP-1 gene expression promotion by maitake extract.

(4) In order to clarify in more detail the HA production promoting action by the M5 fraction of the maitake extract, the HA production regulation was examined for the 8 components (M5-1 to M5-8) that were further fractionated from the M5 fraction. . As a result, HA production promotion was observed in the M5-3 to M5-8 fractions (FIG. 8).

8. Discussion In normal human skin fibroblasts, maitake extract promotes the synthesis of hyaluronan that moisturizes the skin. Therefore, it is suggested that the maitake extract promotes skin activation and improvement (for example, improvement of the moisture retention function of the skin) due to the synthesis of HA, which is an important moisturizing component. Furthermore, it is suggested that HA production promotion by maitake extract may be regulated by different components.

  Promotion of enzymatic metabolism of cutaneous ECM plays an important role in skin remodeling such as wound healing. It is thought that the quantitative balance between MMP and TIMP is important for this ECM metabolism. Furthermore, the enhancement of skin ECM degradation due to excessive enhancement of MMP production causes skin roughening (skin aging) such as wrinkle formation. It was revealed for the first time that maitake extract promotes proMMP-1 mRNA and its production in human skin fibroblasts.

  However, it was found that the maitake extract fraction (M2-M4), which has an interesting effect of promoting proMMP-1 expression, is different from the fraction of HA production promoting action (M5). M5-6 and M5-7 were identified as components of the M5 fraction showing HA production promoting action. That is, it is expected that the fraction of the maitake extract components can be used to reduce the skin aging effect and to specialize in enhancing the moisture of the skin.

  Maitake extract is strongly suggested to be a new natural product-derived material that enhances the moisture of the skin by promoting the biosynthesis of hyaluronan, an endogenous moisturizing factor. Furthermore, it is expected that the maitake extract exerts an anti-aging effect that works on fibroblasts and activates them to replenish HA, which decreases with aging, from the inside.

Example 5
A cosmetic cream containing a maitake extract was prepared with the following composition.
Ingredient name Compounding amount (% by weight)
Maitake extract 2.0
Olive oil 10.0
Tri (capryl / capric acid) glyceryl 10.0
Tocopherol 1.0
Purified water 77.0
Total 100.0

Example 6
A pharmaceutical cream containing a maitake extract was prepared with the following composition.
Ingredient name Compounding amount (% by weight)
Maitake extract 10.0
Olive oil 10.0
Tri (capryl / capric acid) glyceryl 10.0
Tocopherol 1.0
Purified water 69.0
Total 100.0

Example 7
Effect of Maitake Extract on Dry Skin Disease in Humans Using the cream containing 2% by weight of the Maitake extract shown in Example 5, the effect on dry skin disease was examined.

Test method Test subjects: 12 patients (76-97 years old) who have desquamation (meaning the symptoms that the skin becomes keratinous and falls off) due to psoriasis in the health care facility “Goodwell” (6 men and 6 women) 6)
Implementation period: December 2006-January 2007 Method: Three levels (3: severe, 2: moderate, 1: mild) based on desquamation (meaning the symptoms that the skin becomes keratinous and falls off) In addition to evaluating the skin condition of the test subject, an appropriate amount of maitake extract-containing cream was applied to the test subject's skin. The application site was the right lower arm, the left lower arm, the right lower leg, and the left lower leg, and the evaluation was performed for each site.

Results The following shows the degree of diagnostic evaluation of the skin condition of the subject for one week from the start of application (3: severe 2: moderate 1: mild). In addition, a diagnostic evaluation degree: 0 shows complete cure.

  Thus, the diagnostic evaluation degree of the skin state of the subjects 1 to 12 after the start of application showed improvement. Moreover, the significant symptom improvement effect by application | coating of the maitake extract containing cream was recognized 1-3 days after application | coating.

  FIG. 9 is a photograph of the skin before and after treatment of subject 5 with a maitake extract-containing cream. Treatment with the application of a cream containing Maitake extract improved dry skin symptoms.

  And these results have shown that there exists a therapeutic effect with respect to dry skin disease also in the cream whose content of a maitake extract is 2 weight%.

  Since the extract of the present invention promotes hyaluronic acid production, the composition of the present invention can be used in cosmetics and medicines for treating skin abnormalities / disorders and diseases due to decreased hyaluronic acid production, joint and eye abnormalities. -Useful as a medicine to treat disorders and diseases.

Claims (8)

  Maitake extract obtained by extracting dried maitake with pure ethanol.   The maitake extract according to claim 1, wherein the moisture content of the dried maitake is 8% by weight or less.   The maitake extract according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pure ethanol contains 99.0% by volume or more of ethanol.   The maitake extract of any one of Claims 1-3 whose pure ethanol is 100-1000 weight part with respect to 100 weight part of dry maitake.   The hyaluronic acid production promoter containing the maitake extract of any one of Claims 1-4.   A composition comprising the hyaluronic acid production promoter according to claim 5.   The composition of claim 6 in the form of a cosmetic. 7. A composition according to claim 6 in the form of a medicament.