JP-2026074546-A - DNA damage inhibitors

Abstract

[Challenge] To provide a DNA damage inhibitor with excellent safety and efficacy. [Solution] The present invention provides a DNA damage inhibitor characterized by containing kukui tree seed extract, which is highly safe and effective. These DNA damage inhibitors effectively suppress DNA damage caused by DNA damage inducers such as benzo[a]pyrene. Therefore, by including kukui tree seed extract, it becomes possible to provide pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, foods, etc., that can effectively protect against ultraviolet rays, chemical substances, and the like. [Selection Diagram] None

Inventors

• 中間 満雄
• 野場 翔太

Assignees

• 日本メナード化粧品株式会社

Dates

Publication Date

20260507

Application Date

20241021

Claims (2)

1. A DNA damage inhibitor characterized by containing kukui tree seed extract.
2. A pharmaceutical product, quasi-drug, cosmetic, or food product characterized by containing the DNA damage inhibitor described in claim 1 as an active ingredient.

Description

This invention relates to a DNA damage inhibitor. DNA is a polymer in which two strands, each composed of sugars, phosphates, and four types of bases, form a double helix. DNA contains various genetic information related to development, growth, and reproduction, but it is known to be susceptible to damage from various factors. External factors causing DNA damage are mainly classified into physical and chemical factors. Physical factors include ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, as well as ionizing radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays. Chemical factors, on the other hand, are known to involve electrophilic chemicals reacting with DNA, leading to various structural changes. These DNA damages can trigger cancer in somatic cells and affect the next generation in germ cells. Therefore, evaluating the DNA-damaging potential of test substances is extremely important. Several methods are known for evaluating the DNA damaging properties of test substances. Examples include post-labeling methods for detecting DNA adducts, Rec assays using Bacillus subtilis, irregular DNA synthesis tests utilizing DNA repair processes, and SOS tests. Comet assays, which detect DNA strand breaks using electrophoresis, are also known, and in vivo comet assays using experimental animals have been standardized by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) as test guidelines. On the other hand, while in vitro comet assays using cultured cells have not been standardized by the OECD, many research reports have been published on this topic. The kukui tree (scientific name: Aleurites moluccanus), belonging to the genus Aleurites in the family Euphorbiaceae, is widely distributed, mainly in Southeast Asia. To date, antiviral agents containing active ingredients present in kukui trees (Patent Document 1), hair growth agents characterized by being composed of kukui trees (Patent Document 2), MMP inhibitors containing kukui tree seed extracts, collagen production promoters, wrinkle-improving agents, hyaluronic acid production promoters, and cell proliferation promoters (all of which are Patent Document 3) have been identified. However, it has not been reported that kukui tree seeds possess DNA damage inhibitory effects. Special Publication No. 5-506847Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-286414Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-34789 The kukui tree (Aleurites moluccanus) used in this invention is a deciduous tree native to Southeast Asia, belonging to the genus Aleurites in the family Euphorbiaceae, and grows to a height of 10 to 20 meters. Its dark green, oval leaves are arranged spirally, and its yellowish-green fruits are about 5 centimeters in diameter and grow in clusters of 3 to 6. The "kukui tree seeds" used in this invention refer to the brown to black, lumpy mass inside the fruit, consisting of about two layers, excluding the pulp. Furthermore, the white to light brown, nut-like structures inside the mass are also considered seeds in this invention. These are also called kernels. These nut-like structures are also called kukui nuts or candle nuts. Seeds can be obtained from the growing region or purchased commercially. For extraction, the seeds themselves may be extracted, or they may be dried, crushed, or finely chopped. Examples of extraction solvents include water, lower alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, etc.), liquid polyhydric alcohols (1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, etc.), ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.), acetonitrile, esters (ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, etc.), hydrocarbons (hexane, heptane, liquid paraffin, etc.), and ethers (ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, propyl ether, etc.). Preferably, polar solvents such as water, lower alcohols, and liquid polyhydric alcohols are used, and water is particularly preferred. These solvents may be used individually or in mixtures of two or more. In addition, a solvent with pH adjusted by adding an acid or alkali to the above extraction solvent may be used. There are no particular limitations on the amount of solvent used; for example, it should be 10 times or more, preferably 20 times or more, relative to the dry weight of the kukui tree seeds, but it is preferable to be 100 times or less for convenience in operations such as concentration or isolation after extraction. Furthermore, the extraction temperature and time can be appropriately selected depending on the type of solvent used, the extraction pressure, etc. The extraction method is not particularly limited and can be performed by methods such as heat extraction (e.g., 40-100°C), room temperature extraction (e.g., 15-40°C), cold extraction (e.g., 0-15°C), stirring extraction, or column extraction. When water is used as the solvent, heat extraction is preferred from the viewpoint of extraction efficiency. The above extract may be used as is, but if necessary, it may be used after treatment such as concentration (concentration by vac