JP3075438B2 - Novel acylated kefiran, its use and production method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a novel acylated kefiran formed by reacting kefiran, a natural neutral high molecular polysaccharide, with an acid anhydride, a carboxylic acid or a halide thereof, and a use and a production method thereof. More particularly, by improving the disadvantages of kefiran by at least partially introducing an acyl group into kefiran,
The present invention relates to a novel acylated kefiran having improved properties as a humectant and a thickener, a use thereof, and a production method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the progress of modern science including synthetic chemistry, the development of new materials has been progressing, and the development of functional raw materials and composite raw materials has been active in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical fields. Moisturizing ingredients developed through research in human dermatology are also one of them, and numerous ingredients have been commercialized. For example, natural polysaccharides include hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate,
There are chitin, chitosan, pullulan, xanthan gum, polysaccharides obtained from seaweed, and the like. Synthetic polymer compounds such as carboxyvinyl polymer, PCA soda, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and 1,3- Butylene glycol, propylene glycol and the like. Among these, natural polysaccharides have shown a certain effect, but there is no change in viscosity due to pH or heat, and it is still insufficient as a highly versatile raw material having excellent usability.

[0003] The present applicant has conducted research to solve these conventional disadvantages, and as a result, has found that kefiran, a neutral polysaccharide produced by microorganisms, can solve the above-mentioned problems. Filed (Japanese Patent Application No. 2-244)
No. 233). Further, in the process of re-testing the invention, the present inventor, although kefiran has various excellent functions, has its own properties such as gelling at a low temperature or cloudy in a formulation containing alcohol. ,
For example, there remains a problem in use and appearance such as not being suitable for a transparent type lotion. Also,
The problem of cloudiness and gelation during low-temperature storage is promoted in a concentration-dependent manner by the incorporation of alcohol, but even in the absence of alcohol, it depends on the concentration of the aqueous kefiran solution. Formulation,
For example, in the case of essence and the like, consideration must be given to the formulation design, and the compounding amount is also limited by the dosage form.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel functional raw material which retains the characteristics of kefiran, does not cause clouding or gelation due to low-temperature storage and blending of alcohol, and a method for producing the same. To provide.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studies to achieve the above object, and as a result, an acid anhydride, various carboxylic acids or various carboxylic acids or kefirans have been added to kefiran which is a natural neutral high molecular polysaccharide. By at least partially introducing an acyl group to the OH group in kefiran by reacting a halide, turbidity and gelation do not occur at low temperatures, and turbidity and gelation phenomena are promoted even when a high concentration of alcohol is blended. Not only that, it was found that a better feeling of use than kefiran was obtained, and the present invention was completed.

That is, according to the present invention, there is provided an acylated kefiran formed by at least partial acylation of kefiran with an acid anhydride or a carboxylic acid or a halide thereof. Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a use of a humectant and a thickener containing an acylated kefiran produced by at least partial acylation of kefiran with an acid anhydride or a carboxylic acid or a halide thereof as an active ingredient. . Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a process for producing an acylated kefiran, which comprises reacting kefiran with an acid anhydride or a carboxylic acid or a halide thereof under a condition of pH 7.0 or more to at least partially acylate the kefiran. A method is provided. The acylated kefiran provided by the present invention is a novel functional raw material having a low temperature gelation and a stable and excellent feeling in use without contraindications of alcohol.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The acid anhydride in the present invention is not particularly restricted but preferably includes, for example, succinic anhydride, acetic anhydride, maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride and phthalic anhydride. Can be Examples of the carboxylic acid include lower mono- and dicarboxylic acids having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, such as acetic acid, propionic acid, malonic acid, and succinic acid, and various intermediate and higher fatty acids having 7 to 18 carbon atoms, such as lauric acid. Myristic acid is mentioned, but from the viewpoint of reaction efficiency, a carboxylic acid having 2 to 6 carbon atoms is preferable.

[0008] Kefiran may be any of those extracted and purified from kefir or grains and those obtained by culturing and purifying a kefiran-producing bacterium, such as Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, and is not particularly limited, and is a desired product. From the viewpoint of the properties of the acylated kefiran, especially the feeling of use, those having a molecular weight of 1,000,000 or more are usually preferable.In some cases, in order to control the physical properties, for example, those obtained by reducing the molecular weight by hydrolysis, enzymatic decomposition, etc. May be used.

The present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned various acid anhydrides or carboxylic acids or halides thereof are added to kefiran and agitated under a constant pH and temperature conditions. The reaction of kefiran with an acid anhydride, a carboxylic acid or a halide thereof is preferably carried out under a neutral or alkaline pH range of 7.0 or more, at a temperature of 5 ° C to 50 ° C. When the pH is less than 7.0, the reaction efficiency is poor, and it is economically disadvantageous that an excessive amount of raw material is required to increase the yield or a long time is required until the reaction is completed. If the temperature condition also exceeds the above-mentioned optimum range, the variation of the reaction product becomes large and the reaction product becomes non-uniform, which is not preferable.

The kefiran used in the acylation is
The reaction is preferably carried out in the form of an aqueous solution. The concentration of the aqueous solution is not particularly limited. In the case of a concentration of 8% by weight or more, the viscosity of the aqueous solution is too high, and the stirring efficiency and the progress of the reaction are reduced. 5% by weight is preferred. The amount of the acid anhydride, carboxylic acid or halide to be added is not particularly limited, but is 0.1 to 0.01 by weight of kefiran.
It is reactively and economically advantageous to add at a ratio of 5 or more.

The product obtained by the reaction under such conditions is washed and purified by a conventional method to obtain a desired product in which the hydroxyl groups of glucose and galactose which are constituent units of kefiran are at least partially acylated. Can be obtained. The acylated kefiran according to the present invention is identified by NMR and IR, and the content of the acyl group in the product can be adjusted by conditions such as reaction molar ratio, pH, reaction temperature and reaction time. If kefiran has an acyl group at least partially introduced into the OH group, it will have low temperature gelation and stable and excellent moisturizing ability and feeling of use without contraindications to alcohol.

[0012] Accordingly, the acylated keratin can be prepared from various commonly used active ingredients such as carpronium chloride, cepharanthin, vitamin E and vitamin E.
Peripheral vasodilators such as nicotinate, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, benzyl nicotinate, tincture tincture, and tincture tincture, cooling agents such as camphor and menthol, antibacterial agents such as hinokitiol, benzalkonium chloride, undecylenic acid, and lysozyme chloride Inflammatory agents such as glycyrrhizin, allantoin, and whitening agents such as ascorbic acid, arbutin, kojic acid, assembly extract, garlic extract, carrot extract, burdock extract, rosemary extract, aloe extract, loofah extract, ginkgo extract, elderberry extract Extract, placenta extract, liver extract,
Useful as a highly functional raw material that can be freely added to known forms of pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, and cosmetics containing various extracts derived from animals, plants, and microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria culture extracts It is.

The known forms of pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs and cosmetics mean not only oral forms but also all externally applicable forms. Examples of oral forms include tablets, capsules, granules, syrups, and the like. Powders, extracts and the like can be exemplified, and as externally applicable forms are cataplasms, plasters,
Eye drops, pastes, creams, ointments, aerosols,
Examples include skin application agents such as emulsions, lotions, emulsions, essences, packs, gels, powders, foundations, lip balms, lipsticks, sun care, bath salts, and hair application agents such as hair tonics, hair shampoos, and hair rinses.

[0014] In addition to the known active ingredients, surfactants and base components such as oils and fats, the above-mentioned pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs and cosmetics, if necessary, known humectants, thickeners and preservatives. Agent,
Antioxidants, UV absorbers / scatterers, chelating agents, pH
It goes without saying that various additives such as an adjusting agent, a fragrance and a coloring agent can be used in combination.

Examples of the humectant include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, sorbitol, mannitol, polyethylene glycol and dipropylene glycol; amino acids; NMF such as sodium lactate and sodium pyrrolidonecarboxylate. Ingredients include water-soluble polymers such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, fibronectin, ceramides, heparin-like substances, and chitosan.

Examples of the thickener include natural polymer substances such as sodium alginate, xanthan gum, quince seed extract, tragacanth gum, starch, and semi-synthetic polymers such as methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, soluble starch, and cationized cellulose. Examples thereof include substances, synthetic high molecular substances such as carboxyvinyl polymers and polyvinyl alcohol.

Examples of preservatives include benzoate, salicylate, sorbate, dehydroacetate, paraoxybenzoate, and 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-.
Examples thereof include hydroxydiphenyl ether, 3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanide, benzalkonium chloride, hinokitiol, resorcinol, ethanol and the like.

Examples of the antioxidant include dibutylhydroxytoluene, butylhydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, ascorbic acid and the like. As the ultraviolet absorber, for example, 4-methoxybenzophenone, octyldimethylparaaminobenzoate,
Examples include ethylhexyl paramethoxycinnamate, titanium oxide, kaolin, and talc.

Further, as a chelating agent, for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, pyrophosphoric acid, hexametaphosphoric acid,
Examples thereof include citric acid, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, and salts thereof, and examples of the pH adjuster include sodium hydroxide, boric acid, borax, potassium hydrogen phosphate, and the like.

The acylated kefiran of the present invention can be used in addition to the above-mentioned pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, and food additives.
It is particularly useful as a humectant and a thickener, and can be used freely in various forms such as jelly, candy, drink, jam, biscuit, chocolate, cake and the like.

At this time, if necessary, various known additives such as preservatives, fragrances, stabilizers, coloring agents, emulsifiers, antioxidants, seasonings, thickeners, etc. which can be used as foods, for example, alcohols , Protamine, red No. 2, yellow No. 4, BH
A, carrageenan, natural flavor, β-carotene, monoglyceride, sodium glutamate, sorbitol, stevia, fructose, citric acid and the like may be used in combination.

[0022]

EXAMPLES Next, examples of the present invention and test examples of the effects thereof will be described, but these do not limit the present invention at all.

Reference Example 1 Glucose 50 g / l, yeast extract 5 g / l, peptone 5 g / l, sodium acetate 2 g
/ L and a liquid medium of pH 6.0 containing 0.5 g / l of an antifoaming agent in a kefiran-producing bacterium (Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens).
) And inoculated anaerobically at 30 ° C. under the control of pH 5.5. After culturing for 7 days, 1 liter of the culture
Centrifugation was performed at 10,000 rpm for 30 minutes to separate the bacterial cell fraction and the culture supernatant fraction. One liter of ethanol was added to the culture supernatant fraction to obtain 2.39 g of crude polysaccharide in the precipitate. The obtained crude polysaccharide was dissolved in 500 ml of purified water, filtered, and subjected to ion exchange chromatography (TSK-GEL DEAE-TOYOPEARL).
650), and the precipitate was dried by adding 500 ml of ethanol to obtain 1.37 g of purified kefiran.

Reference Example 2 Kefir Grain 100 g
Ground with a mixer, add 1 liter of purified water and add
And boiled for 60 minutes. After cooling, 30 minutes at 10,000 rpm
After centrifugation for 1 minute, the supernatant was collected and 1 liter of ethanol was added to form a precipitate. The precipitate was dissolved in 500 ml of purified water, filtered, and purified by ion exchange chromatography (TSK-GELDEAE-TOYOPEARL 650).
The ethanol was added, and the precipitate was dried to obtain 3.18 g of purified kefiran.

Production Example 1 To 100 g of a 2% aqueous kefiran solution, 2% of succinic anhydride was added and dissolved while maintaining the pH at 7.0 to 8.0.
Stir at 30 ° C. for 3 hours. After completion of the reaction, the precipitate (succinyl kefiran) is fractionated using ethanol.
The obtained succinyl kefiran is dried and dissolved in purified water, and then sterilized and filtered to obtain a product. Kefiran powder 2g
Gave 2.38 g of succinyl kefiran.

Production Example 2 To 100 g of a 1% aqueous kefiran solution, 4% of acetic anhydride was added and dissolved while maintaining the pH at 8.0 to 9.0.
Stir at 0 ° C. overnight. After the completion of the reaction, the precipitate (acetylkefiran) is fractionated using ethanol. The obtained acetyl kefiran is dried and dissolved in purified water, and then sterilized and filtered to obtain a product. 1.18 g of acetyl kefiran was obtained from 1 g of kefiran powder.

Production Example 3 1% maleic anhydride was added to 100 g of a 2% aqueous kefiran solution.
And dissolve while maintaining the pH at 7.5 to 8.5, and stir at 35 ° C. for 2 hours. After completion of the reaction, the precipitate (maleyl kefiran) is fractionated using ethanol. The obtained maleile kefiran is dried and dissolved in purified water, and then sterilized and filtered to obtain a product. Kefiran powder 2
2.41 g of maleile kefiran were obtained from g.

Production Example 4 10 g of acetyl chloride was added to 100 g of a 5% aqueous kefiran solution at 30 ° C. while maintaining the pH at 7.5 to 8.5.
It was added dropwise over 0 minutes. Thereafter, the reaction solution is stirred for 1 hour. After completion of the reaction, the precipitate is fractionated using ethanol. The obtained acetyl kefiran is dried and dissolved in purified water, and then sterilized and filtered to obtain a product. 6.47 g of acetyl kefiran was obtained from 5 g of kefiran powder.

Production Example 5 2 g of succinic acid and 9 g of 1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethylamino) propylcarbodiimide hydrochloride were added to 100 g of a 2% aqueous kefiran solution, and the mixture was added at 25 ° C. and a pH of 7.0 to 8.0 for 3 hours. Stir. After completion of the reaction, the precipitate is fractionated using ethanol. The obtained succinyl kefiran is dried and dissolved in purified water, and then sterilized and filtered to obtain a product. 2.64 g of succinyl kefiran was obtained from 2 g of kefiran powder.

2) Effect data Gel formation test Kefiran (comparative control) and acylated kefiran were subjected to a gel formation test, and both were compared. In the test, kefiran and acylated kefiran were prepared at the following concentrations, respectively, and allowed to stand at 5, 15, and 30 ° C. for 2 months to examine the degree and presence or absence of gel formation. Observation was performed with a microscope or visually every week, and the state of each test product was determined.
In addition, kefiran used in Reference Example 1 and acylated kefiran used in Production Example 1 was used.

The results are shown in Table 1.

[0032] As is evident from the above results, at any concentration of kefiran, a colloidal precipitate or gel formation was observed at low temperature, and gel formation was dependent on the kefiran concentration. On the other hand, the succinyl kefiran of the present invention did not show colloidal precipitation or gel formation even at a high concentration at a low temperature.

Gel Prevention Effect To examine the gel prevention effect of acylated kefiran (the effect of preventing the promotion of gel formation by the addition of alcohol), ethanol was added and the gel formation was reduced to a remarkable low temperature (5 ° C.) for 2 months or less. saved. In this case, the concentration range of addition of ethanol was 5 to 40%, and kefiran was used as a control. Observation was performed with a microscope or visually every week, and the state of each test product was determined. The kefiran used was that of Reference Example 2 and the acylated kefiran was that of Production Example 3.

The results are shown in Table 2. As is evident from the results in Table 2, kefiran promoted gelation in the presence of ethanol, but did not form gel when maleile kefiran was present in the presence of a high concentration of ethanol.

Moisturizing high-frequency impedance meter (manufactured by IBS: MODEL IB)
-355), the moisture retention of a 0.5% acylated kefiran solution (Production Example 1) was examined using purified water as a control. 0.5% of sodium hyaluronate and kefiran (Reference Example 1) having high moisture retention for comparison with other polysaccharides
% Solution as a control.

Measurement Method A sample was applied (2 cm × 2 cm) on the inner side of a human forearm. After 30 seconds, the sample was gently wiped lightly with gauze, and every 30 seconds, the conductance of the skin was measured over time up to 10 minutes ( Measurement conditions: measurement room temperature 20 ° C., humidity 60%, number of measurements n = 10).

The results are shown in FIG. The results in FIG. 1 show that the higher the conductivity, the higher the moisturizing property. The acylated kefiran of the present invention shows a better moisturizing property than kefiran, which has a better moisturizing property. It was confirmed that it was excellent.

Usability evaluation test (sensory test ) Using a lotion (formulation example 3 described below) using the acylated kefiran of the present invention, a sensory evaluation of the usability with conventional polysaccharides (kefiran, sodium hyaluronate) was conducted. Were compared. The usability evaluation was performed by panelists who randomly divided 40 dry-skin women into 4 groups of 10 in each group.

The first group includes the lotion of Formulation Example 3 (the present invention)
In the second group, a cosmetic lotion in which only the acylated kefiran of Formulation Example 3 was replaced with kefiran (Comparative Example 1), and in the third group, a cosmetic in which only the acylated kefiran of Formulation Example 3 was replaced with sodium hyaluronate. Water (Comparative Example 2) was used, and the fourth group used a lotion (base: Comparative Example 3) excluding the acylated kefiran of Formulation Example 3.

The four groups of panelists were asked to apply a lotion twice a day, morning and evening, after washing their face, and then apply an appropriate amount to the face for one month. "
The three items of "improvement of skin roughness" were evaluated for effectiveness. Each of the evaluations was evaluated based on four levels of “significant effect”, “effective”, “slightly effective”, and “no change” as to how the improvement was made before use.

The results are shown in Tables 3 to 5. In addition, the effective rate in a table means what was calculated more than effective.

[0042]

[0043] Table 3 or results of chi ² test for Table 5, in any case, a significant difference in risk of 5% between the Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and the present invention is observed, and Comparative Example 3 A significant difference was recognized at a risk rate of 1%. From the above test results, it was found that the lotion containing the acylated kefiran of the present invention clearly had excellent usability characteristics.

Next, a formulation example in which the acylated kefiran of the present invention is blended is shown. During the formulation of the formulation example,
Means that the total amount becomes 100% by weight. <Formulation Example> Formulation Example 1 Cream (% by weight) A Monostearic acid 2.0 Polyethylene glycol (40.E.0.) Self-emulsifying glyceryl monostearate 5.0 Stearic acid 5.0 Behenyl alcohol 1.0 Liquid paraffin 10.0 Glyceryl trioctanoate 10.0 B Glycerin 5.0 Ethyl paraben 0.1 Acylated kefiran (of Preparation Example 1) 4.0 Purified water Amount The components belonging to A are heated and dissolved. Separately, the components belonging to B are dissolved by heating. B was added to A, stirred, emulsified and then cooled to produce a cream.

Formulation Example 2 Emulsion (% by weight) A Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate (20.E.0) 1.0 Polyoxyethylene sorbite monostearate (60.E.0) 0.5 Lipophilic type mono Glycerin stearate 1.0 Stearic acid 0.5 Behenyl alcohol 0.5 Avocado oil 4.0 Glyceryl trioctanoate 4.0 B 1,3-butylene glycol 5.0 Acylated kefiran (of Preparation Example 2) 8.0 Methylparaben 0.2 Purified water qs The components belonging to A are dissolved by heating. Separately, the components belonging to B are dissolved by heating. B was added to A, stirred, emulsified, and cooled to produce an emulsion.

Formulation Example 3 Lotion (% by weight) Polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil (60.E.0) 8.0 Ethanol 15.0 Acylated kefiran (from Preparation Example 1) 5.0 Ethylparaben 0.1 Citric acid 0.1 Sodium citrate 0.3 1,3-butylene glycol 4.0 Disodium edetate 0.01 Purified water Appropriate amount The above components were mixed, uniformly stirred and dissolved to prepare a lotion.

Formulation Example 4 Cream pack (% by weight) A Vegum 5.0 Squalane 2.0 Propylene glycol 5.0 Acylated kefiran (of Preparation Example 3) 0.5 Vitamin B ₁₂ 0.05 Purified water Appropriate amount B Mix the components belonging to zinc oxide 10.0 C ethanol 5.0 A, expand by stirring, and add B little by little. C was gradually added thereto and kneaded until a paste was obtained to produce a cream pack.

Formulation Example 5 Essence (% by weight) 1% carboxyvinyl polymer solution 10.0 Glycerin 20.0 Hyaluronic acid 0.5 Ethanol 1.0 Acylated kefiran (of Preparation Example 4) 20.0 Purified water The above components were mixed, uniformly stirred and dissolved to produce an essence.

Formulation Example 6 Hydrophilic ointment (% by weight) A Polyoxyethylene cetyl ether 2.0 Glyceryl monostearate 10.0 Liquid paraffin 10.0 Vaseline 4.0 Cetanol 5.0 B Propylene glycol 10.0 Methyl paraben 0 7.1 Acylated kefiran (Production Example 5) 7.0 Purified water Amount A component belonging to A is dissolved by heating. Separately, the components belonging to B are dissolved by heating. B was added to A, stirred, emulsified, and cooled to produce a hydrophilic ointment.

Formulation Example 7 Aerosol agent (% by weight) A Kojic acid 2.0 Acylated kefiran (from Preparation Example 3) 2.0 Benzyl nicotinate 0.01 Vitamin E acetate 0.05 Cetanol 1.2 Propylene glycol 4 8.0 Ethanol 8.0 Purified water to 100 B Freon 123 / 141b (57:43) 7.0 The components belonging to A are uniformly mixed and dissolved, put into an aerosol container, and B is filled into the container by a conventional method to obtain an aerosol. An agent was manufactured.

Formulation Example 8 Poultice (weight%) A polyacrylic acid 30.0 sorbitan monooleate 1.0 purified water 30.7 B sodium polyacrylate 7.0 aluminum chloride 0.3 acylated kefiran (production example) 4) 10.0 Concentrated glycerin 20.0 Titanium oxide 1.0 A component belonging to A is heated and dissolved. Separately, the component belonging to B was heated and dissolved, stirred and mixed to produce a poultice.

Formulation Example 9 Tablet Confectionery (% by weight) Citric acid 1.0 Skim milk powder 15.0 Sucrose fatty acid ester 1.0 Flavor 0.8 Acylated kefiran (of Production Example 1) 0.55 Granulated sugar 20. 0 Lactose 61.65 The above raw materials were mixed uniformly, granulated, and tableted to produce.

Formulation Example 10 Candy (% by weight) A Powdered marbit 83.0 Citric acid 0.4 Acylated kefiran (from Preparation Example 5) 0.799 Water 14.8 B Flavor 1.0 Yellow No. 0.001 Heat the mixture of A in a vacuum pan under reduced pressure to remove water 2
After concentrating the solution to about 5%, transferring the solution to a cooling board, adding B in order, cooling the solution to about 60 ° C., and molding it with a roller or a stamping machine.

Formulation Example 11 Drink (in 100 ml) Glucose, fructose, liquid sugar 1500 mg Acylated kefiran (of Production Example 2) 500 mg Honey 500 mg Vitamin C 300 mg Vitamin B ₆ 5 mg Vitamin B ₁₂ 1 mg Isoleucine 5 mg Phenylalanine 5 mg Guarana extract 1 ml Alcohol 1 ml Water Appropriate amount Fragrance Trace amount The above ingredients were uniformly stirred and mixed to produce a drink.

[0055]

Industrial Applicability According to the present invention, there is provided a novel acylated kefiran in which an acyl group is partially introduced into kefiran, which is stable and has excellent moisture retention without gelation at low temperatures and no contraindication of alcohol. Since it has a function and a feeling of use, it can be freely blended especially in medicines, quasi-drugs, cosmetics and foods.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the conductivity of an acylated kefiran of the present invention.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI A61K 7/48 C09K 3/00 103 C09K 3/00 103 A23L 1/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] An acylated kefiran formed by at least partial acylation of kefiran with an acid anhydride or a carboxylic acid or a halide thereof. 2. A humectant comprising, as an active ingredient, acylated kefiran formed by at least partial acylation of kefiran with an acid anhydride or a carboxylic acid or a halide thereof. 3. A thickener comprising, as an active ingredient, an acylated kefiran produced by at least partial acylation of kefiran with an acid anhydride or a carboxylic acid or a halide thereof. 4. A method for producing an acylated kefiran, comprising reacting kefiran with an acid anhydride or a carboxylic acid or a halide thereof under a condition of pH 7.0 or higher to at least partially acylate the kefiran.