RESUMEN
Two different types of clinical safety test of Kurozu-containing food were done. Under the informed consent, following tests were conducted, Test 1; Ten healthy adults were orally administrated 10 capslues/day of Kurozu for 4 weeks, Test 2; Ten patients with hepatitis C and 10 patients with mild hepatic dysfunction were orally administrated 2 capslues/day of Krozu for 4 weeks. In both the Test1 and Test2, Vital sign including Blood pressure etc, blood cell count, blood chemical analysis, and urinalysis were performed. In both tests, there were no abnormal findings. Furthermore, no side effect was observed. In conclusion, safety of Kurozu-containing food was confirmed.
RESUMEN
Objective: The present study was done to examine the effect of dietary supplement containing Kurozu concentrate on human visceral fat accumulation. Material and Methods: Sixteen subjects(BMI≧25) were orally administrated Kurozu concentrate for 8 weeks(low dose group: 500 mg/day, high dose group 1000 mg/day). Before and at weeks 8, hematological analysis, urinalysis and CT-scan to estimate the visceral fat accumulation were conducted. Results: In high dose group, following results were obtained; visceral fat decreased significantly(p=0.033), HDL-cholesterol level elevated significantly (p=0.034) and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly(p=0.004). In addition, no serious symptoms or abnormal hematological values were observed in both group.Conclusions: The dietary supplement containing Kurozu concentrate may be useful to prevent a metabolic syndrome.
RESUMEN
<b>Objectives:</b> Kurozu has long been used as a traditional fermented food product mainly in East Asia, including Japan; various health functions of Kurozu have been reported. This study examined its effects on body fat and energy metabolism by a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.<br> <b>Methods:</b> Mildly obese adults took a dietary supplement containing Kurozu concentrate for 12 weeks with approximately 10 min of exercise every day.<br> <b>Results:</b> A decline in hip circumference was observed in the group consuming the dietary supplement containing Kurozu. It was shown that fat-derived energy consumption increased while suppressing carbohydrate-derived energy consumption. Therefore, it was revealed that energy was derived from the fat consumed, and a tendency to increase the energy consumption at the time of exercise was also observed. Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between the initial fat volume and both the variation of the total fat area and the variation of the subcutaneous fat area in the examination group. It was revealed that larger the amount of body fat, greater the effect of Kurozu in decreasing the amount of fat. In addition, no safety issues were observed 12 weeks after ingesting the dietary supplement containing Kurozu concentrate, and it was confirmed as a safe food product.<br> <b>Conclusion:</b> Appropriate exercise and intake of the dietary supplement containing Kurozu concentrate contributed toward the improvement of the metabolic syndrome.<br>
RESUMEN
<b>Objectives</b>: The present study was examined the effects of dietary supplement containing Kurozu concentrate on Blood Pressure, QOL and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Constitution. <b>Methods</b>: Forty subjects with slightly high blood pressure were assigned randomly to 2 groups (active group and placebo group). Kurozu-containing foods or the placebo was administered to the subjects daily for 12 weeks. At week 0, 6 and 12, blood samples were collected, physical measurements were taken, and the quality of life (SF-36v2) and TCM constitution were examined. <b>Results</b>: Significant differences on blood pressure and TCM constitution between the groups were observed at week 12. The change of QOL between the groups was observed significantly at week 6. <b>Conclusion</b>: These findings suggest that foods containing Kurozu have hypotensive action and improve effects on constitutional problems. In addition, it was confirmed that foods containing Kurozu are safe to ingest.