JP-7857050-B1 - Composition for improving bowel movements

Abstract

【assignment】 The present invention aims to provide a composition for improving bowel movements that contains gallic acid as an active ingredient. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a food or beverage containing gallic acid as an active ingredient that is labeled as having the function of improving bowel movements. [Solution] A composition for improving bowel movements, characterized by containing gallic acid as an active ingredient. Food and beverages containing gallic acid as an active ingredient, and labeled as having the function of improving bowel movements. [Selection Diagram] none

Inventors

• 王丸 智香子
• 上野 栞
• 藤井 歩
• 友沢 寛
• 草場 宣廷

Assignees

• 株式会社東洋新薬

Dates

Publication Date

20260512

Application Date

20250317

Claims (1)

1. A food or beverage for improving bowel movements, characterized by containing gallic acid as an active ingredient.

Description

This invention relates to a composition for improving bowel movements, characterized by containing gallic acid as an active ingredient, and to a food or beverage containing gallic acid as an active ingredient, which is labeled as having the function of improving bowel movements. In recent years, various lifestyle-related diseases have become widespread due to changes in dietary habits, unbalanced diets, and stress. One such disease is intestinal problems such as constipation and diarrhea. Constipation occurs when stool remains in the intestines for a long time. Furthermore, severe constipation can lead to an increase in harmful bacteria and the absorption of harmful substances in the intestines, potentially contributing to colon cancer. Therefore, the development of compositions to improve bowel movements is progressing. One known substance with bowel movement-improving effects is sodium picosulfate hydrate. However, since this substance is a pharmaceutical, it cannot be easily consumed by people with mild constipation symptoms. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new constipation-improving compositions that can be easily consumed in daily life as food or beverages. Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. “Picolax”, URL; https://search.sato-seiyaku.co.jp/pub/product/2264/#:~:text=%E4%BE%BF%E7%A7%98%E6%B2%BB%E7%99%82%E5%89%A4%E3%83%94%E3%82%B3%E3 %82%B9%E3%83%AB,%E3%82%92%E5%A6%A8%E3%81%92%E3%82%8B%E3%81%93%E3%81%A8%E3 %81%8C%E3%81%82%E3%82%8A%E3%81%BE%E3%81%9B%E3%82%93%E3%80%82, search date February 21, 2025 The following describes preferred embodiments of the composition and food/beverage of the present invention. The composition and food/beverage according to the present invention contain gallic acid as an active ingredient for the function of improving bowel movements. 1. Gallic Acid <br/> The gallic acid used in this invention is a compound represented by C7H6O5 and is also called 3,4,5 - trihydroxybenzoic acid. The gallic acid used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a food product, and plant-derived gallic acid or synthetically obtained gallic acid can be used. When plant-derived gallic acid is used in the composition of this invention, plant extracts or pulverized powders may be used as the source of gallic acid, or purified products thereof may be used. Pulverized powder refers to powder obtained by drying and pulverizing plants. When plant-derived gallic acid is used, examples of the plants from which it is derived include green tea, date palm, and persimmon. Furthermore, the gallic acid used in this invention may be an anhydrous form or a hydrate such as a monohydrate. Gallic acid may also be in the form of a salt. When a salt of gallic acid is used in this invention, alkali metal salts can be used as the salt of gallic acid. In this invention, when gallic acid is in hydrate form, the amount of gallic acid as used herein is on an anhydrous basis. In this invention, when a salt is used as gallic acid, the amount of gallic acid means the amount on an anhydrous basis. The proportion of gallic acid in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001% to 96% by mass, more preferably 0.001% to 90% by mass, even more preferably 0.005% to 87% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.01% to 84% by mass, based on the solid content of the composition, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the function of gallic acid in improving bowel movements and from the viewpoint of taste when taken orally. In this specification, "solid content" refers to the amount contained in the composition when the composition is solid, and the total amount of all components excluding water when the composition is liquid or fluid. The amount of gallic acid in the composition of the present invention can be measured by HPLC. For example, using a Unison UK-C18 (HT 3 μm φ3 × 100 mm) manufactured by Imtakt Corporation, a 1% formic acid aqueous solution can be used as the mobile phase liquid medium, and a 1% formic acid acetonitrile solution can be used as the mobile phase liquid medium. The column temperature can be 45°C and the flow rate 0.7 ml/min. The gradient conditions can be as follows. Note that, during measurement, appropriate processing may be performed as needed, such as removing impurities from the sample to match the separation capacity of the instrument. Column: Unison UK-C18 HT 3μm φ3×100mm Column temperature: 45°C Injection volume: 2μL Flow rate: 0.7mL/min Measurement wavelength: 276nm Mobile phase A: 1% formic acid aqueous solution; Mobile phase B: 1% formic acid acetonitrile solution 2. Ellagic Acid <br/>The composition of the present invention preferably further contains ellagic acid, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the function of gallic acid in improving bowel movements. Ellagic acid is a type of natural phenolic compound and is represented as C14H6O8 . The ellagic acid used in this invention is not particularly limited as long as it is suitable for use i