JP7439194B2 - Agents for maintaining and/or improving concentration - Google Patents

Description

IPOD FERM BP-11530

The present invention relates to an agent for improving autonomic nervous balance.

The autonomic nervous system is composed of two nervous systems: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and is responsible for breathing, digestion,
Controls involuntary functions such as body temperature regulation. The sympathetic nervous system is normally activated during activities under stressful situations and prepares the mind and body for such activities. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is normally activated during periods of rest and relaxation, and puts the body and mind in a state suitable for recovery and rest. It is said that due to constant stress or an irregular lifestyle, the balance between these two nervous systems is disrupted, leading to various poor physical conditions and diseases.

Euglena is a microalgae belonging to the genus Euglena (genus Euglena) and is used as a food material. Moreover, applying Euglena extract to the skin has also been practiced (Patent Document 1).

Special Publication No. 2008-526954

Disturbances in the autonomic nervous balance can result in states in which the sympathetic nerves do not activate properly even during activities where the sympathetic nerves should be activated, and conditions in which the parasympathetic nerves do not activate properly even during recovery or rest conditions when the parasympathetic nerves should be activated. In such a state, even in situations where concentration should be exerted, the ability to concentrate is lower and the ability to maintain concentration is lower, and the quality of sleep, immunity, and bowel movements are further reduced. In addition to these, it is thought that it will lead to various poor physical conditions, diseases, etc.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an agent for improving autonomic nervous balance.

As a result of intensive research in view of the above problems, the present inventors discovered that Euglena has an autonomic nervous balance improving effect. As a result of further research based on this knowledge, the present invention was completed.

That is, the present invention includes the following aspects:
Item 1. An autonomic nervous balance improving agent containing Euglena.
Item 2. Item 2. The autonomic nervous balance improving agent according to Item 1, wherein the Euglena is Euglena gracilis.
Item 3. Item 3. The autonomic nervous balance improving agent according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the Euglena is Euglena gracilis EOD-1 strain (accession number FERM BP-11530).
Item 4. Item 4. The autonomic nervous balance improving agent according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the Euglena is in the form of a dry powder.
Item 5. Item 5. The autonomic nervous balance improving agent according to any one of Items 1 to 4, which is used for at least one selected from the group consisting of improving sleep quality, improving concentration, improving immunity, and improving bowel movement.
Item 6. The autonomic nervous balance improving agent according to any one of Items 1 to 5, which is a food composition.
Section 7. The autonomic nervous balance improving agent according to any one of Items 1 to 5, which is a food additive.
Section 8. The autonomic nervous balance improving agent according to any one of Items 1 to 5, which is a pharmaceutical.

According to the present invention, an agent for improving autonomic nervous balance can be provided. As a result, it is possible to improve the situation in which the sympathetic nerves are not activated appropriately even under activities in which the sympathetic nerves should be activated, and the condition in which the parasympathetic nerves are not activated appropriately even during recovery and rest conditions in which the parasympathetic nerves should be activated. In addition, by improving the autonomic nervous balance, it is possible to increase the ability to concentrate in situations where concentration is required, further increasing its sustainability, and also improves sleep quality, immunity, bowel movements, etc. be able to.

The test design and test flow of Test Example 1 are shown. In the figure, the control food is a capsule tablet containing cornstarch, and the test food is a capsule tablet containing Euglena dry powder. The following is a quotation from the questionnaire form for evaluating fatigue based on subjective symptoms. Citing the Japanese version of the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS). The following is a quote from the MA version of the Wake-Up Sleep Sensation Questionnaire (hereinafter referred to as the OSA Sleep Questionnaire). Shows LF/HF values at rest (before PVT test) and during office work (during PVT test). 0W is before ingestion of the control food and test food, 2W is after ingestion of the control food, and 4W is after ingestion of the test food (the same applies to the following figures). This figure shows the results of calculating a statistically scaled value of the daily fluctuating feeling of sleep based on the responses to the OSA sleep questionnaire. Shows the actual sleep time on the test day (= (wake-up time - bedtime time) - time until falling asleep). The average reaction time in the PVT test is shown. On the horizontal axis, the first test number shows the measurement results from 0 to 5 minutes from the start of the test, the second test number shows the measurement results from 5 to 10 minutes from the start of the test, and the third test number shows the measurement results from 10 to 10 minutes from the start of the test. The measurement results for 15 minutes are shown, the 4th test shows the measurement results for 15 to 20 minutes from the start of the test, and the 5th test shows the measurement results for 20 to 25 minutes from the start of the test. Indicates the average number of times the reaction time was 500ms or more in the PVT test. On the horizontal axis, the first test number shows the measurement results from 0 to 5 minutes from the start of the test, the second test number shows the measurement results from 5 to 10 minutes from the start of the test, and the third test number shows the measurement results from 10 to 10 minutes from the start of the test. The measurement results for 15 minutes are shown, the 4th test shows the measurement results for 15 to 20 minutes from the start of the test, and the 5th test shows the measurement results for 20 to 25 minutes from the start of the test. Shows the total score of fatigue based on subjective symptoms. Shows the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) in saliva. The evaluation results for each item of constipation (score for each item) using the Japanese version of the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) are shown. The evaluation results (total score) for each item of constipation using the Japanese version of the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) are shown. The test design and test flow of Test Example 2 are shown. In the figure, the control food is a capsule tablet containing cornstarch, and the test food is a capsule tablet containing Euglena dry powder. The rate of change in the concentration of s-IgA in saliva is shown. For significant differences before and after intake (between "0w or 8w" and "4w or 12w") and significant differences between the test food group and the control food group, p-values of less than 0.1 are indicated with *, p ** indicates that the value is less than 0.05. The rate of change in s-IgA secretion rate is shown. For significant differences before and after intake (between "0w or 8w" and "4w or 12w") and between the test food group and the control food group, p-values of less than 0.05 are indicated by **.

In this specification, the expressions "contain" and "including" include the concepts of "containing", "comprising", "consisting essentially" and "consisting only".

In one aspect, the present invention relates to an agent for improving autonomic nervous balance (herein sometimes referred to as "the agent of the present invention") containing Euglena. This will be explained below.

1. Euglena Euglena is a microalgae belonging to the genus Euglena (=genus Euglena), and is not particularly limited as far as it is concerned. Examples of Euglena include Euglena gracilis , Euglena longa , Euglena caudata , Euglena oxyuris , Euglena
tripteris , Euglena proxima , Euglena viridis , Euglena sociabilis , Euglena ehrenbergii , Euglena deses , Euglena pisciformis , Euglena spirogyra , Euglena acus , Euglena geniculata , Euglena intermedia , Euglena mutabilis , Euglena sanguinea , Euglena stellata , Euglena terricola , Euglena na klebsi , Euglena rubra , Examples include Euglena cyclopicola . Among these, Euglena gracilis is preferred from the viewpoint of more reliably exerting the effects of the present invention, and more preferably Euglena gracilis EOD-1 strain [Independent Administrative Agency Product Evaluation as of June 28, 2013] The National Institute of Technology and Technology, Patent Organism Depositary Center {NITE-IPOD (Room 120, 2-5-8 Kazusa Kamatari, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan 292-0818)} under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty, with accession number FERM BP-11530. Internationally deposited].

The form of Euglena is not particularly limited as long as it contains the cell body of Euglena or most of its components. Examples of the form of Euglena include a dry powder form of Euglena, a suspension of Euglena, and an extract of Euglena, and among them, a dry powder form of Euglena is preferred.

The paramylon content of Euglena in a dry state is, for example, 50% or more, preferably 60% or more, and more preferably 70% or more.

2. Euglena production method Euglena can be prepared in large quantities by a method that includes a step of culturing Euglena contained in a liquid (culture step). The culturing step can be performed, for example, according to a known method (for example, the method described in Japanese Patent No. 5883532). In the culturing step, microalgae belonging to the genus Euglena are typically cultured under aerobic conditions while stirring a liquid (culture solution) containing water, Euglena, and nutrients available to Euglena.

Nutrients include sugars (monosaccharides such as glucose and fructose, or disaccharides such as sucrose and maltose), minerals (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, molybdenum, copper, phosphorus, nitrogen, sulfur, or boron), B vitamins (e.g. vitamin B1 (thiamine),
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, or pyridoxamine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), folic acid, biotin, etc.). The concentration of nutrients in the culture solution is not particularly limited as long as the concentration allows survival, proliferation, etc. of Euglena.

The light conditions for the culturing process are not particularly limited, and the culturing process may be performed under either bright or dark conditions. When culturing by heterotrophic culture, it is cultured under dark conditions. As the light condition, a normal light intensity for growing algae can be adopted. The dark conditions include, for example, less than 10 μmol/m ² /s, preferably complete dark conditions with no light.

The culture temperature in the culture step is not particularly limited as long as it is a temperature at which Euglena can proliferate. The culture temperature (temperature of the culture solution) is, for example, 20°C to 35°C.

The pH of the liquid in the culture step is not particularly limited as long as it allows Euglena to proliferate. The pH at which Euglena can grow is, for example, 3.0 to 5.5.

After the culturing step, it is preferable to concentrate Euglena by liquid centrifugation, gravity separation, or the like. The obtained Euglena can be subjected to additional processing (eg, suspension in liquid, extract extraction, dry powderization, etc.) depending on the desired form.

3. Uses Since Euglena has an autonomic nervous balance improving effect, it can be used as an active ingredient of an autonomic nervous balance improving agent. As a result, it is possible to improve the situation where the sympathetic nerves are not activated properly even during activities where the sympathetic nerves should be activated, and it is possible to improve the situation where the parasympathetic nerves are not activated properly even during recovery and rest conditions when the parasympathetic nerves should be activated. can do. Regarding the former, more specifically, the LF/HF value can be further improved during activities in which the sympathetic nervous system is activated, for example, during office work. Regarding the latter, more specifically, the LF/HF values during recovery and rest can be further reduced. From the above viewpoint, the term "improving autonomic nerve balance" can also be referred to as autonomic nerve balance optimization, autonomic nerve balance adjustment, especially autonomic nerve balance optimization according to the state of mental and physical activity, and autonomic nerve balance adjustment.

In addition, Euglena can further enhance the ability to concentrate in situations where concentration is required, and further enhance the ability to maintain concentration, and can further improve sleep quality, immunity, bowel movements, etc. From this point of view, Euglena has uses such as those listed below:
(A) Improving the quality of sleep (A1) Improving sleepiness upon waking up (A2) Improving sleep onset (A3) Improving sleep continuity (A4) Improving dreaminess (A5) Improving the feeling of recovery from fatigue through sleep (B) Improving concentration ( B1) Sustaining concentration (B2) Improving concentration and sustaining power during physical and mental activities (B3) Improving concentration and sustaining power during office work (C) Improving immunity (C1) Preventive effect against respiratory diseases (C2) Suppression of decreased immune function caused by fatigue, decreased physical strength, aging, lack of sleep, etc. (D) Improved bowel movement (D1) Reduced discomfort after defecation (feeling of incomplete defecation, etc.) (D2) Improved abdominal pain (D3) Reducing abdominal firmness (D4) Can be used to reduce difficulty in defecating. In addition, among the above uses, the uses of items with numbers in parentheses ((A1), (B1), etc.) are for items with the same alphabet in parentheses and no numbers in parentheses. It corresponds to a subordinate concept of usage ((A), (B), etc. usage).

Euglena is preferably used for multiple uses (2 to 4, more preferably 3 to 4, still more preferably 4) of the above general concept uses (A) to (D) based on its autonomic nervous balance improving effect. It can be used for a comprehensive range of applications, including all types of applications.

In addition, the uses, purposes, and targets listed below:
(a1) Helps with various symptoms caused by autonomic nerve disturbances such as stiff shoulders and irritability, as well as insomnia (a2) Provides healthy sleep and reduces fatigue (feeling tired and sluggish) when you wake up the next morning (a3) At night Supports good quality sleep (reduces feeling of fatigue and drowsiness when waking up) (a4) Reduces feeling of fatigue and drowsiness when waking up (a5) Helps in healthy sleep (improves falling asleep) (a6) Good for dreaming (a7) Sleep satisfaction (a8) Feeling refreshed (a9) For deep sleep (a10) For disrupted sleep rhythm (a11) For waking up refreshed (a12) For healthy sleep (a13) ) Temporary stress reduction (a14) Disruption of sleep rhythm increases visceral fat in middle-aged and elderly people (a15) For quality sleep (a16) Activate parasympathetic nerves for good sleep (a17) Autonomic nerves (a18) Improves immunity by improving the quality of sleep (a19) Enables you to sleep soundly (a20) For those who have trouble falling asleep (a21) For those who often wake up at night.

In addition, the uses, purposes, and targets listed below:
(b1) Sustains concentration (b2) Sustains concentration and reduces mistakes (b3) Activates the sympathetic nervous system (b4) Great for sports (b5) Great for studying (b6) Great for meetings It can be used to (b7) to accompany driving (b8) to accompany research.

In addition, the uses, purposes, and targets listed below:
(d1) Stress relieving effect (d2) Relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system (d3) Improved bowel movement by stress relieving (d4) Improved relaxing effect during rest (d5) Supports mood change (d6) Eliminates stomach tension (d7) Improves the feeling of refreshing stomach (d8) Improves the feeling of satisfaction after defecation (d9) Eliminates the feeling of incomplete bowel movements (d10) Can be used to improve bowel movements through relaxation.

Note that "improvement" refers to improvement or alleviation of symptoms or conditions, prevention or delay of deterioration of symptoms or conditions, and reversal, prevention, or delay of progression of symptoms or conditions.

The agent of the present invention can be used in various fields, for example, as food additives, food compositions (including health foods, health promoters, nutritional supplements, etc.), medicines, and the like.

The agent of the present invention is usually ingested orally, but is not limited thereto.

The form of the agent of the present invention is not particularly limited, and depending on the application, it can take any form commonly used in each application.

The form of the agent of the present invention may be, for example, a tablet (orally disintegrating tablet, chewable tablet, effervescent tablet, troche tablets, jelly drops, etc.), pills, granules, fine granules, powders, hard capsules, soft capsules, dry syrups, liquids (including suspensions and syrups), jellies, etc. Can be mentioned.

When the agent of the present invention is used as a food composition, liquid, gel, or solid foods such as juice, soft drinks, tea, soup, soy milk, salad oil, dressing, yogurt, jelly, etc. , pudding, furikake, powdered milk for infants, cake mixes, powdered or liquid dairy products, bread, cookies, etc.

The agent of the present invention may further contain other components as necessary. Other ingredients are not particularly limited as long as they can be incorporated into food additives, food compositions, medicines, health promotion agents, nutritional supplements (supplements, etc.), but include bases, carriers, etc. , solvents, dispersants, emulsifiers, buffers, stabilizers, excipients, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, thickeners, colorants, fragrances, chelating agents and the like.

The content of Euglena in the agent of the present invention depends on the purpose, mode of use, condition of the subject, etc., and is not limited to, for example, 0.0001 to 100% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 50% by mass. be able to.

The amount of the agent of the present invention applied (for example, administration, ingestion, inoculation, etc.) is not particularly limited as long as it is an effective amount that exhibits medicinal effects, and is generally 0.1 to 10,000 mg per day as the dry weight of Euglena. /kg body weight. It is preferable to apply the above-mentioned amount in divided doses at least once a day (for example, 1 to 3 times), and it can be increased or decreased as appropriate depending on age, pathological condition, and symptoms.

The present invention will be described in detail below based on Examples, but the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

Manufacturing example 1
Dry powder of Euglena gracilis EOD-1 strain (National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, Patent Organism Depositary (NITE-IPOD) (manufactured by Kobelco Eco-Solutions, paramylon content 70%)
The above) was made into capsule tablets with the following formulation as a test food, and as a control food, capsule tablets containing cornstarch were manufactured.

Test example 1
The test outline is as follows. The test design and test flow are shown in Figure 1. In FIG. 1, the control food and test food are the capsule tablets manufactured in Production Example 1.
・Test period: 2 weeks of control food, 2 weeks of test food ・Amount of test food intake: 500mg/day in terms of Euglena dry powder
・Amount of control food intake: Same amount as test food ・Subjects: 3 males (Age 39.7 years, BMI 22)

<Selection of subjects>
As a screening test, a questionnaire regarding bowel movements, fatigue, etc. was administered to potential subjects who consented. Based on the results of the screening test, we selected eligible subjects (3 people) who met the following selection criteria, were aware of poor bowel movements and fatigue, and did not violate any of the exclusion criteria listed below.

Selection criteria
(1) Males aged 20 years or older but less than 60 years old
(2) Those who defecate less than 5 days a week
(3) Those who feel tired or stressed
(4) Those who are healthy and are not currently receiving treatment for any disease.
(5) Non-smokers
Exclusion criteria
(1) Those currently suffering from some kind of chronic disease and receiving drug treatment
(2) Those who may exhibit allergic symptoms to food.
(3) Those who regularly take laxatives, intestinal medicines, and supplements that promote defecation (indigestible dextrins, oligosaccharides, dietary fiber rich, etc.)
(4) Those with a past or current history of serious illness
(5) Those with severe anemia
(6) Those who have changed or started using health foods within the past 4 weeks
(7) Those who have been exposed to ultraviolet rays in the past 4 weeks beyond their daily life, such as by working outdoors for long periods of time, exercising, swimming at the beach, or having leisure activities, or those who plan to do so during the exam period.
(8) For those who work night shifts or day/night shifts.
(9) At the time of obtaining consent, those who are attending a hospital or clinic to receive treatment (hormone replacement therapy, drug therapy, exercise therapy, etc.) for the treatment or prevention of a disease, or who are judged to need treatment. direction
(10) Persons with a history of serious diseases of sugar metabolism, lipid metabolism, liver function, kidney function, heart, circulatory system, respiratory system, endocrine system, nervous system or mental illness.
(11) Persons with a history of alcohol or drug dependence
(12) Those who are at risk of developing allergies to cosmetics and foods.
(13) Those who have participated in another human study within 4 weeks of the consent date, or those who plan to participate in another human study during the scheduled implementation period of this study.

<Test details>
Baseline measurements were conducted for the selected subjects as a pre-intake (hereinafter referred to as 0w) test. First, the subjects were acclimatized by having them drink a glass of water and then resting for at least 20 minutes in an environmental test room. After acclimatization, the subjects were allowed to gargle, and then tests (measurement of immunoglobulin concentration in saliva, measurement of autonomic nervous balance (LF/HF), PVT test, and questionnaire) were conducted. After the test was completed, the control food was handed to the subjects, the instructions on how to take it were explained, and they were asked to start taking it on the specified day.

The period of intake of the control food was 2 weeks, and on the test day 2 weeks after the start of intake (abbreviated as 2w), subjects visited the testing facility and conducted the same test as the 0w test. After the test was completed, the test food was handed to the test subjects, and they were asked to start taking it on the specified day.

The intake period of the test food was 2 weeks, and on the test day 2 weeks after the start of intake (abbreviated as 4w), the subjects visited the testing facility and conducted the same tests as the 0w and 2w tests.

In addition, the subjects were asked to record their intake of the test food and changes in their physical condition in a diary throughout the intake period, and the completed diaries were collected on each test day. Note that each test was conducted at approximately the same time.

<Inspection items>
(1) PVT (Psychomoter Vigilance Task) test The reaction time to the lighting of the display was measured over time to evaluate changes in performance ability due to fatigue. US AMI for exam
A psychodynamic arousal level task test program manufactured by the company was used. The reaction time of the subjects to the task repeatedly displayed on the screen (reaction time to lighting) was measured. Each task lasted 5 minutes, and was repeated 5 times in a row (25 minutes in total).

(2) Measurement of autonomic nerve balance (LF/HF) Before, during, and after the PVT test using the biological signal recording device Polymate (Miyuki Giken Co., Ltd.)
The degree of parasympathetic nerve activity was evaluated from the heart rate variability (RR interval) after the test.

(3) Saliva measurement
Before the PVT test and measurement of autonomic nervous balance, saliva was collected, saliva weight was measured, and the secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) concentration in the saliva was measured using the ELISA method. The concentration of s-IgA is a value that is an indicator of immunity.

(4) Questionnaire
(4-1) Evaluation of fatigue. We used the ``Subjective Symptom Survey'' published by the Industrial Fatigue Research Group of the Japan Society of Industrial Hygiene. The contents of the questionnaire form for this survey are quoted in Figure 2.

(4-2) Evaluation of constipation. The Japanese version of the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) was used. The contents of the questionnaire form for this survey are quoted in Figure 3.

(4-3) Sleep evaluation. The OSA sleep questionnaire was used. The contents of the questionnaire form for this survey are quoted in Figure 4. Table 2 shows the correspondence between the question numbers of the questionnaire and each evaluation item.

(4-5) In addition to the above, we asked respondents to answer about their sleeping time (time they went to bed, time they woke up, time taken to fall asleep), and time they used OA equipment.

<Test results>
(a) Results of measuring autonomic nerve balance Figure 5 shows the LF/HF values at rest (before the PVT test) and during office work (during the PVT test). As shown in FIG. 5, by taking Euglena, the parasympathetic nerves were more activated (the degree of relaxation was further improved) when the subjects were at rest, and the sympathetic nerves were more activated during office work. This suggests that Euglena has an autonomic nervous balance improving (stabilizing) effect.

(b) Sleep evaluation results
Based on the responses to the OSA sleep questionnaire, we calculated a statistically scaled value of the daily fluctuating feeling of sleep. The calculation was performed so that the average score of a population other than the subjects (a population that was not selected or excluded) was 50 points. The results are shown in FIG. Furthermore, the actual sleep time (=(wake-up time - bedtime time) - time until falling asleep) on the test day is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, ingestion of Euglena made it easier to fall asleep, enhanced the effect of recovery from fatigue through sleep, and reduced sleepiness upon waking up. Furthermore, there was no significant change in sleep time (Figure 7), suggesting that the quality of sleep had improved. These results were thought to be due to an improvement in the degree of relaxation during rest (activation of parasympathetic nerves).

(c) Concentration evaluation results
Figures 8 and 9 show the average values of the average reaction time every 5 minutes and the number of times the reaction time was 500 ms or more for the three subjects in the PVT test. Furthermore, the total score of fatigue based on the subjective examination is shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, ingestion of Euglena improved the ability to concentrate and further prolonged its duration. Furthermore, the feeling of fatigue after office work is reduced by taking Euglena (Figure 10), suggesting that the improvement in concentration and the extension of its duration by taking Euglena do not place an excessive burden on the body. It was done. These results were thought to be due to increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system during office work.

(d) Results of saliva measurement Figure 11 shows the secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) concentration in saliva.

As shown in FIG. 11, ingestion of Euglena improved the s-IgA concentration, that is, improved immunity. This result was thought to be the result of improved autonomic nervous balance (stabilization) and improved sleep quality.

(e) Defecation evaluation results The evaluation results for each item of the Japanese version of the Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS) are shown in Figure 12, and the total score is shown in Figure 13.
Shown below.

As shown in Figures 12 and 13, when taking Euglena, CAS items related to the state and degree of constipation (feeling of the stomach (bloated feeling), feeling that the rectum is full of feces, state of fecal excretion) , exuding watery stools, total score) decreased. These results suggested that ingestion of Euglena improves the autonomic nervous balance, which in turn improves the condition and quality of stool.

Test example 2
The test outline is as follows. Further, the test design and test flow are shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, the control food and test food are the capsule tablets manufactured in Production Example 1.
・Test period: 4 weeks of control food → 4 weeks of washout → 4 weeks of test food, or 4 weeks of test food → 4 weeks of washout → 4 weeks of control food ・Test food intake: 500mg/day in terms of Euglena dry powder
・Amount of control food intake: Same amount as test food ・Subjects: 7 men

<Test details>
The subjects were divided into two groups. For subjects in each group, as a test before the start of intake (hereinafter referred to as 0w),
Baseline measurements were taken. First, the subjects were allowed to ingest a glass of water and then allowed to rest for at least 20 minutes in an environmental test room to acclimatize the subjects. After acclimatization, the subjects were allowed to gargle, and then a salivary immunoglobulin measurement test was conducted. Specifically, it was performed as follows. First, tasteless sterile cotton was placed in the subject's mouth, held in the mouth for 1 minute, and then collected. Subsequently, the volume of the saliva obtained from the collected tasteless sterile cotton was calculated based on weight measurement, and the s-IgA concentration in the saliva was further measured by ELISA. The value obtained by multiplying the s-IgA concentration by the saliva volume was defined as the s-IgA weight, and the value obtained by dividing the s-IgA weight by the saliva collection time (1 minute) was defined as the s-IgA secretion rate. After the test, the subjects were given a control food or test food, explained how to take it, and had them start taking it on the designated day.

The period of ingestion of the control or test food was 4 weeks, and subjects were asked to come to the testing facility on the test day 4 weeks after the start of intake (abbreviated as 4w), and a test to measure immunoglobulin in saliva was conducted in the same way as the 0w test. Ta. After the test, neither the test food nor the control food was given to the subjects.

The washout period was 4 weeks, and on the test day 4 weeks after 4w (abbreviated as 8w), the subjects came to the testing facility and conducted a salivary immunoglobulin measurement test in the same way as the 0w and 4w tests. After the test was completed, the group that received the control food at 0w was given the test food, and the group that was given the test food at 0w was given the control food, and they started taking it on the specified day.

The period of intake of the test food or control food was 4 weeks, and the subjects visited the testing institution on the test day 4 weeks after the start of intake (abbreviated as 12w), and immunoglobulin in saliva was detected as in the 0w, 4w, and 8w tests. A measurement test was conducted.

In addition, the subjects were asked to record their intake of the test and control foods and changes in their physical condition in a diary throughout the intake period, and the completed diaries were collected on each test day. Note that each test was conducted at approximately the same time.

<Test results>
For s-IgA concentration and s-IgA secretion rate, the average value (change) of the measured value after ingesting the test food or control food (4w or 12w) with respect to the measured value before ingesting the test food or control food (0w or 8w) rate)
was calculated. Significant differences before and after intake (between "0w or 8w" and "4w or 12w") are Wilcoxon sign
It was determined using the ed-rank test, and significant differences between the test food group and the control food group were determined using the Mann-Whitney U test. The rate of change in s-IgA concentration is shown in FIG. 15, and the rate of change in s-IgA secretion rate is shown in FIG. 16.

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, s-IgA concentration and s-IgA secretion rate were improved by Euglena intake. From this, it was found that ingestion of Euglena increases the amount of s-IgA secreted.

Claims (8)

An agent containing Euglena , which is used for ingestion at a dry weight of 0.1 to 10,000 mg/kg of Euglena per day, and for maintaining and/or improving concentration. The agent according to claim 1, wherein the Euglena is Euglena gracilis. The agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the Euglena is Euglena gracilis EOD-1 strain (accession number FERM BP-11530). The agent according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the Euglena is in dry powder form. At least one selected from the group consisting of improving concentration during mental and physical activities, improving ability to maintain concentration during physical and mental activities, improving ability to concentrate during office work, and improving ability to maintain concentration during office work. The agent according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is used for one type of agent. The agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is a food composition. The agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is a food additive. The agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is a pharmaceutical.

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