JP7328670B2 - Composition for improving locomotive syndrome - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a composition for improving locomotive syndrome containing a natural plant material as an active ingredient.

Kuromoji, a plant of the Lauraceae family, is a deciduous shrub that is widely distributed from the southern part of Hokkaido to Kyushu. It has been It is also characterized by its pleasant aroma, and high-quality toothpicks are used to accompany Japanese sweets, and the essential oil collected by steam distillation is used as an aroma.

Conventionally, various functionalities have been reported for this kuromoji. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a melanin production inhibitor consisting of an extract of the bark of the camphoraceae. In addition, Patent Document 2 describes an anti-H. pylori agent containing an extract of a plant such as Kuromoji as an active ingredient. Further, Patent Document 3 describes an alcoholic disorder preventive agent containing a pulverized part of a plant of the Lauraceae family such as Kuromoji or a fat-soluble solvent-extracted extract thereof. Further, Patent Document 4 describes a protease inhibitor containing an extract of a plant belonging to the genus Lindera Thunb. as an active ingredient. Further, Patent Document 5 describes a cosmetic composition characterized by containing steam-distilled water of a plant of the Lauraceae family such as kuromoji. In addition, Patent Document 6 describes an anti-influenza virus agent containing an extract of a plant such as Kuromoji as an active ingredient. In addition, Patent Document 7 describes an antihypertensive agent characterized by containing a plant such as kuromoji or its extract. In addition, Patent Document 8 describes a Maillard reaction inhibitor containing a plant extract such as kuromoji as an active ingredient. In addition, Patent Document 9 describes an IgE production suppressing composition and an anti-allergic composition, which are characterized by containing processed products of plants such as kuromoji. In addition, Patent Document 10 describes a ceramidase activity inhibitor characterized by containing an extract of a plant such as Kuromoji as an active ingredient.

JP-A-07-277941 JP-A-11-001429 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-344675 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-122728 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-226218 JP-A-2004-059463 JP 2007-051129 A JP 2010-077123 A JP 2010-180141 A JP 2017-124984 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a composition having excellent functionality using natural plant materials that can be adapted to usage forms such as foods.

The present inventors have made intensive studies to achieve the above objects, and as a result, the kuromoji extract extracted from kuromoji, a plant of the Lauraceae family, has the effect of suppressing the decrease in bone density, the effect of suppressing the decrease in muscle mass, and the effect of strengthening joints. The present inventors have found an effect of suppressing the decrease in the amount of proteoglycan, and have completed the present invention.

That is, the first object of the present invention is to provide a composition for improving locomotive syndrome, characterized by containing kuromoji extract as an active ingredient.

The composition for improving locomotive syndrome is preferably used for maintaining or strengthening bones.

Moreover, in the locomotive syndrome improving composition, the composition is preferably used for muscle maintenance.

Moreover, in the composition for improving locomotive syndrome, the composition is preferably used for joint protection.

Moreover, in the composition for improving locomotive syndrome, the kuromoji extract preferably contains a hot water extract of kuromoji.

According to the present invention, kuromoji extract extracted from kuromoji, a plant of the Lauraceae family, has an effect of suppressing a decrease in bone density, an effect of suppressing a decrease in muscle mass, and an effect of suppressing a decrease in the amount of proteoglycan in joints. It became clear. This makes it possible to provide a composition having excellent functionality, such as a composition for improving locomotive syndrome, by using the kuromoji extract as an active ingredient. In addition, the composition is also suitable for uses such as foods.

1 is a chart showing the results of examining the effect of administration of Kuromoji extract to lifestyle-related disease model mice on bone density in Test Example 1, (a) is a chart showing the results for the Kuromoji extract administration group, and (b) is. is a diagram showing the results of a positive control using a reference drug. 2 is a chart showing the results of examining the effect of administration of the Kuromoji extract to lifestyle-related disease model mice on muscle mass in Test Example 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the results of verification of the amount of proteoglycan expressed in the joint site of normal rats in Test Example 3, (a) being a visible image of a Safranin O-stained specimen obtained by microscopic observation, and (b) being a visible image. (c) is an image obtained by digitally processing the image to make the red-stained portion white, and (c) is an image by digitally processing the visible image to make the red-stained portion of the red-stained portion red. 1 is a chart showing an example of the result of examining the amount of proteoglycan expressed in the joint site of a diabetic pathology model rat in Test Example 3, (a) being a visible image of a Safranin O-stained specimen obtained by microscopic observation, and (b) being a visible image. (c) is an image in which the visible image is digitally processed and the red-stained portion is made white, and (c) is an image in which the visible image is digitally processed and the red-stained portion of the red-stained portion is made red. be. FIG. 10 is a chart showing an example of the results of examining the effect of administering Kuromoji extract to diabetic pathology model rats on the amount of proteoglycan in a joint site in Test Example 3, and (a) is a visible image of a safranin O-stained specimen under microscopic observation. , (b) is an image in which the visible image is digitally processed and the red-stained portion is whitened out, and (c) is an image in which the visible image is digitally processed and the red-stained portion is dyed more deeply. This is an image in which a portion is colored red. 1 is a chart showing an example of the results of verification of the amount of proteoglycan expressed in the joint site of normal mice in Test Example 4, (a) is a visible image of a Safranin O-stained specimen obtained by microscopic observation, and (b) is a visible image. (c) is an image obtained by digitally processing the image to make the red-stained portion white, and (c) is an image by digitally processing the visible image to make the red-stained portion of the red-stained portion red. 4 is a chart showing an example of the result of examining the amount of proteoglycan expressed in the joint site of a lifestyle-related disease model mouse in Test Example 4, where (a) is a visible image of a Safranin O-stained specimen obtained by microscopic observation, and (b) is. (c) is an image in which the visible image is digitally processed to make the red-stained portion white, and (c) is an image in which the visible image is digitally processed to make the red-stained portion of the red-stained portion red. is. 4 is a chart showing an example of the results of examining the effect of administering Kuromoji extract to lifestyle-related disease model mice on the amount of proteoglycan in a joint site in Test Example 4, and (a) is a visible microscopic observation of a Safranin O-stained specimen. (b) is an image in which the visible image is digitally processed to make the red-stained portion white, and (c) is an image in which the visible image is digitally processed to make the red-stained portion darker in red. This is an image with the red part. 4 is a chart showing an example of the results of examining the effect of administration of metformin hydrochloride, a hypoglycemic agent, to lifestyle-related disease model mice on the amount of proteoglycan in joint sites in Test Example 4. (a) is a safranin O-stained specimen. is a visible image of microscopic observation, (b) is an image in which the visible image is digitally processed and the red-stained part is whitened out, and (c) is a visible image that is digitally processed to make the red-stained part This is an image in which the part dyed in red is red. 10 is a table showing the results of comparison of the stained area by Safranin O staining in the knee joint portion in Test Example 4, relative to the average value of the normal group being 100. FIG.

The present invention found that the kuromoji extract extracted from kuromoji, a plant of the Lauraceae family, has an effect of suppressing a decrease in bone density, an effect of suppressing a decrease in muscle mass, and an effect of suppressing a decrease in the amount of proteoglycan in joints. Based on this, a composition for improving locomotive syndrome and the like are provided. In addition, the locomotive syndrome improving composition is used for bone maintenance or strengthening, muscle maintenance, and joint protection. That is, it provides a composition having functionality that acts on the living body of humans and animals, and hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it may be referred to as "functional composition" or simply "composition".

The source of the kuromoji extract used in the present invention may be any plant belonging to the genus Lindera, such as Lindera umbellata Thunb., Lindera umbellata var. membranacea (Maxim.) Momiyam. , Lindera umbellata var. lancea Momjiyama, Lindera sericea (Sieb.et Zucc.) Blume, Lindera sericea var.glabrata Blume, Lindera triloba (Sieb. et Zuc.) Blume), USA Lindera benzoin (L.) Blume, Lindera glauca Blume, Lindera obtusiloba Blume, Lindera strychnifolia (Sieb. et Zucc.) F. Vill. be done. Among these, Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata Thunb.) is particularly preferable.

The parts of the above plants are not particularly limited, and examples include trunks, trunks, branches and leaves, leaves, bark, roots, rhizomes, root bark, stems, flowers, seeds, pericarp, pulp, fruits, aboveground parts, underground parts, and whole. trees, etc. Among these, trunks and branches are particularly preferred.

In the present invention, an extract is prepared from the above plant and used as an active ingredient. More specifically, a kuromoji extract, which is an extract of kuromoji, is used as the component involved in the above-described functionality. As the extraction solvent used for the extraction, a suitable one may be used as appropriate, and typical examples include water, organic solvents, and water-containing organic solvents. Water is particularly preferred. Examples of organic solvents include, for example, lower aliphatic alcohols such as methanol and ethanol, and organic solvents compatible with water such as ethyl acetate, acetone, chloroform and n-hexane. These organic solvents can also be used in combination of two or more. Further, when a water-containing organic solvent is used, the content of the organic solvent may be in the range of more than 0% by volume to less than 100% by volume, but is preferably 50% by volume or less, and 5 to 50% by volume. is more preferred, 10 to 45% by volume is even more preferred, and 20 to 40% by volume is particularly preferred. When ethanol or water-containing ethanol is used for the extraction, water-containing ethanol having an ethanol content of 50% by volume or less is preferable, water-containing ethanol having an ethanol content of 5 to 50% by volume is more preferable, and water-containing ethanol having an ethanol content of 10 to 45% by volume is preferable. Ethanol is even more preferred, and hydrous ethanol with an ethanol content of 20-40% by volume is particularly preferred.

As a specific method of extraction, general extraction means can be employed. 20 times the amount of the extraction solvent is added, and the immersion/heat extraction can be performed at room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent used for about 1 to 24 hours. If desired, the extraction may be performed under pressure. After the extraction, filtration may be carried out as necessary, the obtained extract may be concentrated under reduced pressure, or freeze-dried to remove the solvent, and the desired extract may be prepared as appropriate. be able to. Drying means may be vacuum drying or spray drying. For example, when the extraction solvent is water, the extraction temperature is preferably 5 to 100°C, more preferably 30 to 100°C, even more preferably 50 to 100°C. Further, when the extraction solvent is ethanol or hydrous ethanol, the extraction temperature is preferably 5 to 70°C, more preferably 30 to 70°C, even more preferably 50 to 70°C. .

The kuromoji extract obtained as described above has the effect of suppressing the decrease in bone density, the effect of suppressing the decrease in muscle mass, and the effect of suppressing the decrease in the amount of proteoglycan in joints, as shown in the examples below. Are better. Therefore, it can be effectively used to improve locomotive syndrome by making it act on the living body. In addition, the functional composition according to the present invention can be effectively used for bone maintenance or strengthening, muscle maintenance, and joint protection. The term "improvement" means that the application of the composition of the present invention makes various symptoms and physical conditions better for the subject as compared to the case where the composition is not applied. It also means preventive application to maintain a better condition.

Here, the locomotive syndrome generally refers to a state in which the movement function is deteriorated due to the deterioration of one or more functions of locomotory organs such as bones, muscles, and joints. Since these muscles, bones, and joints support each other, attempts to improve some functions are unlikely to lead to large improvements in mobility. For example, if skeletal muscle weakens due to lack of exercise, the stimulation of the bone by the muscle is insufficient, and the bone becomes weak. cannot be expected. When the functions of multiple sites are thus degraded, it can be said that it is more effective to improve these multiple sites together than to improve any one of them. According to the present invention, the effect of improving the functions of any of a plurality of parts such as bones, muscles, and joints can be expected, and therefore the state of reduced mobility can be effectively improved.

Compositions according to the invention may, for example, be administered orally. The form for oral administration is not particularly limited, and the kuromoji extract described above and the base material, carrier, solvent, etc. that are acceptable for oral ingestion are used to prepare solids, liquids, and emulsions. , paste, jelly and the like. It can also be in the form of tablets, granules, powders, liquids, capsules and the like. Alternatively, the kuromoji extract described above can be mixed with a suitable carrier, preferably a fatty acid triglyceride, and filled in a soft capsule or the like in a liquid state to prepare the mixture.

On the other hand, the composition according to the invention may be administered parenterally, eg for topical application to the skin. The form for this purpose is not particularly limited, and includes the form of a solution, an emulsion, a form in which a dispersant, a suspending agent, a stabilizer, etc. is added, a poultice, a lotion, an ointment, a tincture, a cream, and the like. can be used in

In formulation, not limited to oral and parenteral formulations, if necessary, commonly used excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, stabilizers, surfactants, solubilizers Adjuvants, reducing agents, buffers, adsorbents, flow agents, antistatic agents, antioxidants, sweeteners, corrigents, cooling agents, light shielding agents, flavoring agents, fragrances, fragrances, coating agents, plasticizers One or two or more formulation additives such as agents may be appropriately selected and added.

Specific examples of such formulation additives include crystalline cellulose, low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, maltodextrin, ethylcellulose, lactose, sorbitol, anhydrous silicic acid, and silicic acid. Magnesium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, stearic acid, oleic acid, liquid paraffin, dicalcium phosphate, dibutyl sebacate, macrogol, propylene glycol, corn starch, starch, pregelatinized starch, gelatin, povidone, crospovidone, glycerin, polysorbate 80, citric acid. acid, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sodium carbonate, talc, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate and the like.

In the composition for improving locomotive syndrome according to the present invention, the above-described kuromoji extract is used as an active ingredient, and other ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and dietary fiber may be added.

The composition for improving locomotive syndrome according to the present invention preferably contains 0.001 to 99% by mass of the kuromoji extract as an active ingredient in terms of dry matter, and contains 0.01 to 70% by mass. It is more preferable that the content is 0.05 to 50% by mass.

When the composition for ameliorating locomotive syndrome according to the present invention is orally administered to humans, the dosage varies depending on age and body weight, but for example, 1.0% of the above-described kuromoji extract in terms of dry matter per adult per day. It is preferably about 0 mg to 50 g, more preferably about 5.0 mg to 20 g, even more preferably about 10 mg to 10 g.

There are no particular restrictions on the mode of use of the composition for improving locomotive syndrome according to the present invention. For example, it may be in the form of functional foods, supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the like. These forms are not limited to those for humans, and may be for animals. More specifically, Foods with Function Claims, Foods for Specified Health Uses, Health Foods, Functional Foods, Dietary Supplements, Supplements, Pharmaceuticals, Quasi-Drugs, Cosmetics, Health Foods for Animals, Functional Foods for Animals, Animals It can be used in various product forms such as nutritional supplements for animals, supplements for animals, pharmaceuticals for animals, quasi-drugs for animals, and cosmetics for animals, or in combination with these products.

The form of use of the composition for improving locomotive syndrome according to the present invention may be in the form of a food composition. That is, by adding a predetermined amount of the Kuromoji extract described above to food and drink, it is possible to obtain a food composition for exerting a predetermined functionality. Specifically, for example, solids, powders, and granules include biscuits, cookies, cakes, snacks, various confectionery such as rice crackers, bread, powdered beverages (powdered coffee, powdered cocoa, etc.), and candy. , caramel, etc., but are not limited to these. Examples of liquid, emulsified, paste, and jelly forms include various products such as drinks, jellies, and mousses, and medicinal liquors, but are not limited to these. Furthermore, it may be in the form of a food additive composition used for blending in these foods and drinks.

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples below, but these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[Preparation Example 1]
After cutting dried trunks and branches of Lindera umbellata Thunb., 10 times the amount of water was added to the total mass, heated, and after boiling, immersion and heat extraction were performed for 1 hour. After the extraction, insoluble matter was removed by filtration, and the resulting extract was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the extraction solvent was removed by freeze-drying to obtain a dry powdery kuromoji extract.

<Test Example 1>
Using the Kuromoji extract powder (hot water extract) obtained in Preparation Example 1, the effect on bone density was verified.

C57BLKS/J Iar-+Lwprdb/+Lwprdb (db/db mouse), which is a lifestyle-related disease model mouse, was used for the evaluation. When compared with C57BLKS/J Iar-m+/+Lwprdb (db/+ mice), which are normal mice, the lifestyle-related disease model mice show a decrease in bone density. Please evaluated.

Specifically, the animals used (lifestyle-related disease model mice and normal mice, male, 7 weeks old) were preliminarily bred for 1 week, all fresh air, temperature 24±2° C., humidity: 50±10%, lighting time. : Raised in a breeding room in a barrier facility set for 12 hours a day (7:00 to 19:00). Radiation-sterilized solid feed (Labo MR Stock, Nihon Nosan Kogyo Co., Ltd.) was used as food, and well water sterilized with chlorine was used as drinking water ad libitum. Distilled water was administered to the normal group and control group, and 300 mg/kg/day was orally administered to the kuromoji extract administration group using an oral probe every day for 12 weeks. As a reference drug, metformin hydrochloride, which is a hypoglycemic agent, was also orally administered daily for 12 weeks at a dose of 350 mg/kg/day using an oral probe. After the end of the administration period, whole blood was collected from the heart under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia, and then the tibia of the right hind limb was collected and stored frozen until bone density measurement. Bone density was measured using microfocus X-ray CT scanner tomography ("Scan Xmate-L090", Comscan Techno), voltage 75 kV, current 100 μA, magnification 9.667 times, resolution 10.334 μm/pixel. , The cancellous bone at the proximal end of the tibia was photographed at a slice thickness of 10.334 μm, analyzed using analysis software (“TRI/3D-BON”, Ratoc System Engineering), and bone density was calculated using the following formula. .

Bone density (%) = cancellous bone volume/bone tissue volume x 100 (1)

The results of 3 cases for each test group are shown in FIG. 1 as the mean value and standard deviation of bone density. In addition, the test of the kuromoji extract-administered group and the positive control test using the reference drug were conducted on separate days for the normal group and the control group.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 1(a), administration of the Kuromoji extract inhibited the decrease in bone density in lifestyle-related disease model mice, and maintained bone density at the level of normal mice. became. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1(b), administration of the hypoglycemic agent used as the reference drug did not suppress the decrease in bone density.

<Test Example 2>
Using the Kuromoji extract powder (hot water extract) obtained in Preparation Example 1, the effect on muscle mass was verified.

C57BLKS/J Iar-+Lwprdb/+Lwprdb (db/db mouse), which is a lifestyle-related disease model mouse, was used for the evaluation. When compared with normal mice, C57BLKS/J Iar-m+/+Lwprdb (db/+ mice), lifestyle-related disease model mice show a decrease in muscle mass. Please evaluated.

Specifically, the animals used, preliminary breeding, breeding environment, feeding and water supply, and the administration method of the kuromoji extract were all the same as in Test Example 1. However, as the kuromoji extract administration group, two kinds of administration groups of 100 mg/kg/day and 300 mg/kg/day were provided. As a reference drug, metformin hydrochloride, which is a hypoglycemic agent, was also orally administered daily for 12 weeks at a dose of 350 mg/kg/day using an oral probe. After the end of the administration period, whole blood was collected from the heart under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia, and then the gastrocnemius muscle was collected and weighed.

The results of 9 to 10 cases for each test group are shown in FIG. 2 as the average value and standard deviation of the gastrocnemius muscle weight.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, administration of the Kuromoji extract increased the muscle mass of the lifestyle-related disease model mice, particularly in the administration group of 300 mg/kg/day. On the other hand, administration of the hypoglycemic agent used as a reference drug did not increase muscle mass.

<Test Example 3>
Using the kuromoji extract powder (hot water extract) obtained in Preparation Example 1, the effect on the amount of proteoglycan in joint sites was examined.

In the evaluation, the animals used (Slc: SD rats, male, 6 weeks old) were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ: streptozotocin) at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day, and blood glucose levels were measured 3 days after administration. , animals with a blood glucose level of 300 mg/dL or higher were used as diabetic models. When compared with streptozotocin-unadministered normal rats, diabetic pathology model rats show a decrease in the amount of proteoglycan in joint sites, and it was evaluated whether Kuromoji extract could suppress this.

Specifically, the animals used (Slc: SD rats, male, 6 weeks old) were preliminarily bred for 1 week, all fresh air, temperature 24 ± 2 ° C, humidity: 50 ± 10%, lighting time: 12 hours per day. They were bred in a breeding room in a barrier facility set at the time (7:00 to 19:00). Radiation-sterilized solid feed (Labo MR Stock, Nihon Nosan Kogyo Co., Ltd.) was used as food, and well water sterilized with chlorine was used as drinking water ad libitum. Distilled water was administered to the normal group and control group, and 300 mg/kg/day was orally administered to the kuromoji extract administration group using an oral probe every day for 8 weeks. After the administration period, whole blood was collected from the abdominal aorta under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia, and then the tibia and femur of the left hind leg were preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin without separating the knee joint. After decalcifying the specimen with EDTA, a paraffin block was prepared, and sliced to a thickness of 3 μm with a microtome (LEICA SM200R) to prepare a safranin O-stained specimen.

Proteoglycans stained red by Safranin O staining were microscopically observed (“Digital Microscope VH-S30”, KEYENCE). In addition, the obtained images were analyzed using image analysis software (ImageJ), and the areas of the knee joint where red staining was visible were extracted. ) was measured.

FIG. 3A shows an example of results in normal rats not administered streptozotocin. In addition, FIG. 3B shows an example of the results of streptozotocin-administered diabetic model rats. In addition, FIG. 3C shows an example of the results when the Kuromoji extract was administered to diabetic model rats.

As seen in the comparison between FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in the diabetic disease model rat, the area of the part stained deeply with the proteoglycan expressed in the joint site was reduced compared to the normal rat. This indicates that the amount of proteoglycan in the joint site is decreased in the diabetic pathology model rat compared to the normal rat. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3C, administration of Kuromoji extract to diabetic disease model rats restored the area of the part stained strongly with proteoglycan. Therefore, it was clarified that the administration of the kuromoji extract can suppress the decrease in the amount of proteoglycan in the joint site in diabetic model rats.

<Test Example 4>
Using the kuromoji extract powder (hot water extract) obtained in Preparation Example 1, the effect on the amount of proteoglycan in joint sites was examined.

The same lifestyle-related disease model mice as in Test Example 2 were used for evaluation. When compared with normal mice, lifestyle-related disease model mice show a decrease in the amount of proteoglycan in the joint region, and whether or not Kuromoji extract can suppress this was evaluated.

Specifically, the animals used, preliminary breeding, breeding environment, feeding and water supply, and the administration method of the kuromoji extract were all the same as in Test Example 1. However, as the Kuromoji extract administration group, a 300 mg / kg / day administration group was established, and as a reference drug, metformin hydrochloride, a hypoglycemic agent, was administered at a dose of 350 mg / kg / day for 12 weeks using an oral probe. Measurement was carried out in the same manner as in Test Example 3, except that daily oral administration was performed and this was added as a positive control.

FIG. 4A shows an example of results in normal mice. In addition, FIG. 4B shows an example of the results in a lifestyle-related disease model mouse. In addition, FIG. 4C shows an example of the results when the Kuromoji extract was administered to lifestyle-related disease model mice. In addition, FIG. 4D shows an example of the results when metformin hydrochloride, a hypoglycemic agent, was administered to lifestyle-related disease model mice. Furthermore, in FIG. 5, safranin O staining in the knee joint part was performed on 6 test animals in each group, and the area of the part stained more deeply in the same manner as in Test Example 3 was calculated. Shown are the results of comparison with relative values when the value is 100.

The results were similar to those of Test Example 3. 4A and 4B, and as seen in FIG. 5, in the lifestyle-related disease model mouse, the area of the part stained deeply with proteoglycan expressed in the joint region decreased compared to the normal mouse. This indicates that the amount of proteoglycan in the joint region is decreased in lifestyle-related disease model mice compared to normal mice. On the other hand, as seen in FIGS. 4C and 5, when the kuromoji extract was administered to the lifestyle-related disease model mouse, the area of the portion stained with proteoglycan was recovered. Therefore, it was clarified that the decrease in the amount of proteoglycan at the joint site can be suppressed by administration of the kuromoji extract in the lifestyle-related disease model mouse as well as in the diabetic model rat. On the other hand, as seen in FIG. 4D and FIG. 5, administration of the hypoglycemic agent used as the reference drug resulted in limited recovery of the proteoglycan-stained area by safranin O staining.

(Prescription example 1)
A candy containing kuromoji extract was prepared with the following composition.
(1) Candy:
(Composition) (Parts by weight)
Powdered sorbitol 89.70
Perfume 0.25
Kuromoji extract powder of Preparation Example 1 10.00
Sorbitol seed 0.05
Total amount 100.00

(Prescription example 2)
A gum containing kuromoji extract was prepared with the composition shown below.
(2) Gum:
(Composition) (Parts by weight)
gum base 20.00
Calcium carbonate 2.00
stevioside 0.10
Kuromoji extract powder of Preparation Example 1 10.00
Lactose 66.90
Perfume 1.00
Total amount 100.00

(Prescription example 3)
A caramel containing kuromoji extract was prepared with the following composition.
(3) Caramel:
(Composition) (Parts by weight)
Granulated sugar 32.00
Starch syrup 20.00
Milk powder 30.00
Hydrogenated oil 4.00
Salt 0.60
Perfume 0.03
Water 3.37
Kuromoji extract powder of Preparation Example 1 10.00
Total amount 100.00

(Prescription example 4)
A carbonated drink containing the kuromoji extract was prepared with the following composition.
(4) carbonated beverages:
(Composition) (Parts by weight)
Granulated sugar 8.00
Concentrated lemon juice 1.00
L-ascorbic acid 0.10
Citric acid 0.09
Sodium citrate 0.05
Colorant 0.05
Carbonated water 80.71
Kuromoji extract powder of Preparation Example 1 10.00
Total amount 100.00

(Prescription example 5)
A juice containing Kuromoji extract was prepared with the following composition.
(5) Juice:
(Composition) (Parts by weight)
Frozen concentrated orange juice 5.00
Fructose glucose liquid sugar 1.00
Citric acid 0.10
L-ascorbic acid 0.09
Kuromoji extract powder of Preparation Example 1 10.00
Perfume 0.20
Pigment 0.10
Water 83.51
Total amount 100.00

(Prescription example 6)
A lactic acid bacteria drink containing Kuromoji extract was prepared with the following composition.
(6) Lactic acid drink:
(Composition) (Parts by weight)
Milk solids 21% fermented milk 14.76
Fructose glucose liquid sugar 13.31
Pectin 0.50
Citric acid 0.08
Perfume 0.15
Water 61.20
Kuromoji extract powder of Preparation Example 1 10.00
Total amount 100.00

(Prescription example 7)
An alcoholic beverage containing Kuromoji extract was prepared with the following composition.
(7) alcoholic beverages:
(Composition) (Parts by weight)
50% ethanol 32.00
Sugar 8.60
fruit juice 2.40
Kuromoji extract powder of Preparation Example 1 10.00
Water 47.00
Total amount 100.00

Claims (2)

A composition for improving locomotive syndrome, which contains a kuromoji extract as an active ingredient and is used for maintaining or strengthening bones , wherein the original plant of the kuromoji extract is Lindera umbellata Thunb .), Lindera umbellata var. membraneacea (Maxim.) Momiyama), and Lindera umbellata var. lancea Momiyama). 2. The composition for improving locomotive syndrome according to claim 1 , wherein said kuromoji extract contains a hot water extract of the source plant of said kuromoji extract.