Patent Application
20150072031
The present invention relates to a skin temperature elevating agent that raises the temperature of skin. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic composition, a food, and a sundry article containing the skin temperature elevating agent.
It is known in the modern society that the lack of exercise, lack of sleep, stress, etc., make an autonomic nerve unbalanced, thereby resulting in poor circulation of blood. When the blood circulation becomes poor, warm blood does not reach the periphery. Thus, the body temperature and skin temperature drop, causing the sensitivity to cold. Moreover, the supply of oxygen and nutrition from the blood is disrupted and waste products are accumulated, therefore slowing down the metabolism.
When the metabolism slows down, the recovery function of the skin from fatigue is lowered, resulting in the deterioration of aesthetic beauty due to bad complexion and the aging.
Hence, various attempts have been made in order to improve the symptoms associated with the poor blood circulation. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose skin temperature elevating agents that improve the blood flow to raise the temperature of skin.
Since modern people are always subject to stressful conditions, there is a demand for the development of a further better skin temperature elevating agent.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-explained circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a skin temperature elevating agent that can raise the skin temperature more effectively. Moreover, it is another object of the present invention to provide a cosmetic composition, a food, and a sundry article that contains the skin temperature elevating agent.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a skin temperature elevating agent comprising one or more selected from a group consisting of: dihydro-β-ionol; 4-methoxystyrene; an extract of clary sage; an extract of Japanese peppermint; an extract of juniper berry; and geraniol.
Moreover, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a skin temperature elevating agent comprising one or more selected from a group consisting of: dihydro-β-ionol; 4-methoxystyrene; an extract of clary sage; an extract of Japanese peppermint; an extract of juniper berry; and geraniol, at a total of equal to or greater than 0.001 mass % and equal to or lower than 50 mass %.
In addition, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cosmetic composition comprising the above-explained skin temperature elevating agent.
Furthermore, according to further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food containing the above-explained skin temperature elevating agent.
Moreover, according to further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sundry article containing the above-explained skin temperature elevating agent.
The skin temperature elevating agent according to the present invention can raise the skin temperature of cheeks since it comprises one or more selected from a group consisting of: dihydro-β-ionol an extract of Japanese peppermint; an extract of clary sage; and geraniol. Moreover, the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present invention can raise a skin temperature of a hand fingertip since it comprises one or more selected from a group consisting of: an extract of Japanese peppermint; an extract of juniper berry; and 4-methoxystyrene. Hence, the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present invention can further effectively raise a skin temperature.
Moreover, the cosmetic composition, food, and sundry article according to the present invention contain the above-explained skin temperature elevating agent, and thus having a skin temperature elevating effect.
A skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment contains at least an active constituent that is selected from following groups: 4-methoxystyrene; an extract of clary sage; an extract of Japanese peppermint; an extract of juniper berry; dihydro-β-ionol; and geraniol. The aromas of an extract of Japanese peppermint, an extract of clary sage, dihydro-β-ionol, and geraniol contained in this skin temperature elevating agent raise the skin temperature of cheeks when inhaled. Moreover, the aromas of an extract of juniper berry, an extract of Japanese peppermint, and 4-methoxystyrene contained in this skin temperature elevating agent raise the skin temperature of hand fingertips when inhaled. Accordingly, the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment is capable of raising the skin temperature more effectively.
Note that the term “skin temperature elevation” in the present embodiment means that a skin temperature become higher when smelling the aroma of the active constituent contained in the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment than a skin temperature when not smelling the aroma of the active constituent contained in the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment.
However, the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment exerts the skin temperature elevating effect not only when the aromas thereof are smelled but also when absorbed in the body through drinking and eating, and when absorbed through the skin.
A detailed explanation will be below given of the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment.
(Japanese Peppermint)
Japanese peppermint (scientific name: Mentha Arvensis var. piperascens) is known with a popular name of Japanese peppermint, and is a Japanese domestic herbaceous perennial of Labiatae Mentha. To obtain an extract of Japanese peppermint, the whole body of Japanese peppermint can be used directly or in a pulverized manner, but it is especially preferable to use the leaves thereof.
An example extract of Japanese peppermint is an extraction essence extracted and obtained directly from leaf portions, etc., or extracted and obtained from those cut in an appropriate size or pulverized, etc. after having been dried. A fraction produced by separation and refinement of the extract may be substituted therefor. The extracting method is not limited to any particular one, and typical essential oil extracting methods are applicable, such as distillation like a steam distillation method or a hot water distillation method, an organic solvent extraction method, and an oil-and-fat adsorptive extraction method, and in particular, the use of the steam distillation method is preferable. In general, peppermints are already well known as constituents that give a pleasant cooling sensation, but an effect of raising a skin temperature according to the present invention has been unknown at all.
(Juniper Berry)
Juniper berry is a fruit of a Cupressaceae plant (scientific name: Juniperrus communis L.) originating from Europe. An example extract of juniper berry is an extraction essence extracted and obtained directly from the fruit of juniper berry, or extracted and obtained from such a fruit cut in an appropriate size or pulverized, etc., after having been dried. Moreover, it may be a fraction that can be obtained by separating and purifying the extraction essence. The extracting method is not limited to any particular one, and typical essential oil extracting methods are applicable, such as the distillation method like the steam distillation method or the hot water distillation method, the organic solvent extraction method, and the oil-and fat adsorptive extraction method, and in particular, the use of the steam distillation method is preferable. Regarding the juniper berry, a body fat combustion effect (see JP 2005-105188 A) and a precursor fat cell differentiation suppressing effect (see JP 2004-75640 A), etc., are already well known, but an effect of raising a skin temperature has been unknown at all.
(Clary Sage)
Clary sage (scientific name: Salvia sclarea) is a biennial grass herb that is a kind of Labiatae Salvia. An example extract of clary sage is an extraction essence extracted and obtained directly from the spike at the time of blooming or the whole body, or extracted and obtained from those cut in an appropriate size or pulverized, etc. after having been dried. Moreover, it may be a fraction that can be obtained by separating and purifying the extraction essence. The extracting method is not limited to any particular one, and typical essential oil extracting methods are applicable, such as a distillation method like the steam distillation method or the hot water distillation method, the organic solvent extraction method, and the oil-and fat adsorptive extraction method, and in particular, the use of the steam distillation method is preferable. Regarding clary sage, an effect of increasing a testosterone concentration in body fluid (see JP 2006-137707 A), etc., is already well known, but an effect of raising a skin temperature according to the present invention has been unknown at all.
(Dihydro-β-ionol)
Dihydro-β-ionol is an aroma constituent contained in the aroma of rose and yellow passion fruit, etc. Dihydro-β-ionol is contained in an extraction essence extracted and obtained from, for example, the blooms of roses. Moreover, a fraction thereof that can be obtained by separating and purifying the extraction essence may be used. The extracting method is not limited to any particular one, and typical essential oil extracting methods are applicable, such as a distillation method like the steam distillation method or the hot water distillation method, the organic solvent extraction method, and the oil-and-fat adsorptive extraction method, and in particular, the use of the steam distillation method is preferable. Since dihydro-β-ionol can be synthesized through a well known synthesis method, for example, a commercially available synthetic product may be used.
Dihydro-β-ionol can be expressed by following chemical formula 1.
(Geraniol)
Geraniol is an aroma constituent contained in many plant essential oils, such as palmarosa oil, geranium oil, and citronella oil, and can be obtained by separating and purifying those essential oils. Geraniol can be synthesized through a well known synthesis method, and for example, a commercially available synthesis product may be used.
Geraniol can be expressed by following chemical formula 2.
It is known that geraniol has a mental sedative effect (see JP 2003-119490 A) but an effect of raising a skin temperature according to the present invention has been unknown at all.
(4-Methoxystyrene)
4-methoxystyrene is an aroma constituent contained in the aroma of rose, etc. 4-methoxystyrene is contained in an extraction essence extracted and obtained from the blooms of roses, etc. Moreover, a fraction obtained by separating and purifying the extraction essence may be used. The extracting method is not limited to any particular one, and typical essential oil extracting methods are applicable, such as a distillation method like the steam distillation method or the hot water distillation method, the organic solvent extraction method, and the oil-and-fat adsorptive extraction method, and in particular, the use of the steam distillation method is preferable. Since 4-methoxystyrene can be synthesized through a well known synthesis method, for example, a commercially available synthesis product may be used.
4-methoxystyrene can be expressed by following chemical formula 3.
The skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment contains at least an active constituent that is selected from following groups: an extract of Japanese peppermint; an extract of juniper berry; an extract of clary sage; dihydro-β-ionol; geraniol; and 4-methoxystyrene.
When the active constituent is volatilized from the skin temperature elevating agent, and a user inhales the aroma thereof, the above-explained skin temperature elevating effect is exerted. The skin temperature elevating agent may consist of the active constituents, but other arbitrary constituents, such as a dilution agent, an auxiliary agent, and an additive agent, may be contained as long as the amount thereof does not disturb the effect. When a desired additive agent, etc., is selected as needed and contained in the skin temperature elevating agent, such a skin temperature elevating agent can be utilized as a cosmetic composition, a medicinal drug, a quasi-drug, a food, a beverage, a sundry article, etc. That is, the skin temperature elevating agent can be a cosmetic composition, etc., having a skin temperature elevating effect.
On the other hand, when the skin temperature elevating agent is added to a predetermined composition like a cosmetic composition, the skin temperature elevating effect can be given to such a composition. That is, when the skin temperature elevating agent is added to a cosmetic composition, etc., a cosmetic composition, etc., having the skin temperature elevating effect can be obtained. Furthermore, when the skin temperature elevating agent is caused to permeate a cloth, a sundry article, etc., or added thereto, the above-explained active constituent volatilizes from the permeated or added skin temperature elevating agent, and thus the skin temperature elevating effect can be given to such a cloth, a sundry article, etc.
The containing amount of the active constituent in the skin temperature elevating agent is not limited to any particular one, but it is preferable that the containing amount should be equal to or greater than 0.0001 mass % and equal to or smaller than 100 mass %. It is more preferable that the containing amount should be equal to or greater than 0.001 mass % and equal to or smaller than 50 mass %, and it is further preferable that the containing amount should be equal to or greater than 0.01 mass % and equal to or smaller than 30 mass %.
When the skin temperature elevating agent is added to a composition, such as a cosmetic composition or a medicinal drug, to give the skin temperature elevating effect thereto, it is preferable that the containing amount of the active constituent in the skin temperature elevating agent to be added should be equal to or greater than 0.0001 mass % and equal to or smaller than 100 mass %. It is more preferable that such a containing amount should be equal to or greater than 0.001 mass % and equal to or smaller than 50 mass %, and it is further preferable that such a containing amount should be equal to or greater than 0.01 mass % and equal to or smaller than 30 mass %.
When the skin temperature elevating agent is added to a composition, such as a cosmetic composition or a medicinal drug, to give the skin temperature elevating effect thereto, it is preferable that the blending amount of the skin temperature elevating agent in the composition should be equal to or greater than 0.001 mass % and equal to or smaller than 100 mass %. It is especially preferable that such a blending amount should be equal to or greater than 0.003 mass % and equal to or smaller than 30 mass %.
The form of the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment is not limited to any particular one as long as it can exert the effect according to the present invention, and can be used in an arbitrary form, such as a liquid form, a paste form, a gel form, or a solid form.
Furthermore, the dosage form of the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment is not limited to any particular one as long as it can exert the effect according to the present invention, and example dosage form thereof are a liquid form, a dust form, a granule form, an aerosol form, a solid form, and a gel form, but the present invention is not limited to those dosage forms.
There is no particular limitation for the cosmetic composition as one of especially suitable forms, but example cosmetic compositions are a fragrance such as perfume, eau du toilette, or au de cologne, cream, milky lotion, skin lotion, massaging gel, massaging cream, foundation, face powder, lip stick, soap, shampoo and rinse, body shampoo, body rinse, body powder, aerosol, bath additive, etc.
Moreover, when, for example, the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment is caused to permeate or is added to arbitrary sundry article, such as air freshener, air refresher, aroma candle, incense, stationery product, wallet, bag, and shoes, and arbitrary cloth, such as underwear, dress, hat, stocking, and socks, the above-explained active constituent volatilizes from the permeated or added skin temperature elevating agent, and thus the skin temperature elevating effect can be given to such a sundry article, a cloth, etc. The skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment may be caused to permeate or added to the material of the sundry article, or cloth, etc., to produce a product from such a material, or the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment may be caused to permeate or added to the finished product. In addition, as other available human consumptions, the skin temperature elevating agent can be added to pill, tablet, candy, gum, etc.
Various use forms of the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment have been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to those forms, and can be used in an arbitrary form as long as advantageous effects of the present invention can be exerted.
The present invention will be explained below in more detail with reference to examples.
Test samples were prepared which were a dilution of an extract of Japanese peppermint by triethyl citrate to a concentration of 0.05 mass %, a dilution of an extract of juniper berry by triethyl citrate to a concentration of 0.1 mass %, a dilution of an extract of clary sage by triethyl citrate to a concentration of 0.05 mass %, a dilution of dihydro-β-ionol by ethanol to a concentration of 0.1 mass %, a dilution of geraniol by ethanol to a concentration of 0.1 mass %, and a dilution of 4-methoxystyrene by ethanol to a concentration of 0.5 mass %, and how the aromas of those test samples influenced a skin temperature was tested.
An extract of Japanese peppermint available from NAGAOKA & Co., Ltd., an extract of juniper berry available from Charabot Corporation, an extract of clary sage available from Robertet Corporation, dihydro-β-ionol available from T. HASEGAWA Co., Ltd., geraniol available from IFF Japan Corporation, and 4-methoxystyrene available from TOKYO Chemical Industry, Co., Ltd., were prepared.
First of all, a test method applied for validation of the skin temperature elevating effect in the examples will be explained.
(Test Method of Measuring Skin Temperature)
In this example, test subjects were females in their 20's. Five test subjects for the extract of Japanese peppermint, seven test subjects for the extract of juniper berry, three test subjects for the extract of clary sage, five test subjects for dihydro-β-ionol, five test subjects for geraniol, and seven test subjects for 4-methoxystyrene participated in the tests. The test content was explained in advance to the test subjects, and the participation in the test was agreed in writing.
The tests were carried out in a room at a constant temperature set to 25° C. and a constant humidity set to 45%.
Skin temperature sensors were attached to a cheek of the test subject, a hand fingertip (middle finger), and a chest, and connected to a temperature monitor to successively measure the skin temperature. The temperature monitor used was N542R made by NIKKISO-Therm Co., Ltd. Skin temperature data was taken in a personal computer, and a skin temperature change level of a cheek and that of a hand fingertip were calculated with a chest skin temperature being as a reference temperature that had a skin temperature hardly changed. Skin temperature change levels of a cheek and those of a hand fingertip between when an aroma was smelled and when no aroma was smelled were compared with each other, and an effect of the aroma of the test sample to the skin temperature was evaluated.
When the test subjects were made to smell the aromas, the test samples were soaked cottons, and the cottons were brought below the noses of the test subjects to let the test subjects to smell the aromas through spontaneous breathing. Regarding the amounts of the test samples caused to soak into cottons, the extract of Japanese peppermint was 5 μl, the extract of juniper berry was 5 μl, the extract of clary sage was 5 μl, dihydro-β-ionol was 10 μl, geraniol was 5 μl, and 4-methoxystyrene was 5 μl. When the test subjects were caused to smell no aroma, cottons only were brought below the noses of the test subjects.
(Test Result of Measuring Skin Temperature)
Results are indicated by a value obtained by subtracting a skin temperature change level when no aroma was smelled from a skin temperature change level when the aroma was smelled. When this value is a positive one, it is determined that a skin temperature is raised and when this value is a negative one, it is determined that a skin temperature is lowered.
As is apparent from
Moreover, as is apparent from
Hereinafter, examples of various cosmetic compositions, sundry articles and foods, and further fibers used for a cloth containing the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment will be explained in detail, but the present invention is not limited to those examples. As the skin temperature elevating agent according to the present embodiment, the extract of Japanese peppermint, the extract of clary sage, dihydro-β-ionol, geraniol, the extract of juniper berry, and 4-methoxystyrene were prepared solely or combined for blending.
Aromatic Fiber
A microcapsule (particle size: equal to or smaller than 50 μm, and the ratio of the skin temperature elevating agent relative to the micro capsule was 50 mass %) containing the skin temperature elevating agent of the present invention (e.g., an extract of juniper berry) was added in and mixed with a cuproammonium cellulose solution (cellulose concentration: 10 mass %, ammonium concentration: 7 mass %, and copper concentration: 3.6 mass %) within a range of 0.1 to 20 mass % relative to the cellulose mass, then fiber spinning was performed in accordance with a normal wet fiber spinning technique, and aromatic fibers were obtained through a refining process and a drying process.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-125333 | May 2010 | JP | national |
This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/700,895, which is a National Stage application of PCT/JP2011/002954, filed May 26, 2011, which claims priority from Japanese application JP 2010-125333, filed May 31, 2010.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13700895 | Feb 2013 | US |
| Child | 14540248 | US |
