In 1899, we at Rohto Pharmaceutical began our journey by manufacturing and selling the gastrointestinal medicine "Ikatsu®".
Based on the belief that "a person's vitality resides in their digestive system," this spirit, developed with a passion to improve the health of the Japanese people, is carried on in the current over-the-counter (OTC) medicine series, "Pansiron."
Furthermore, we have developed a series of herbal medicines that use science to interpret traditional yet often difficult-to-understand herbal medicines, making them accessible to modern people. We have been developing products that address the changing concerns of the times.
Furthermore, "food" is the most fundamental activity that supports human health, contributing to fundamental care at the "pre-disease" stage before illness develops. In particular, we have been promoting research and development with a focus on the areas of "seeing," "eating," "movement," and "beauty and health."
On the other hand, we are also working on research into ectopic fat, which has become a growing social issue in recent years, aiming to extend healthy life expectancy and achieve well-being.
Development of a new formulation technology to enhance lutein absorption
Oral medications are efficiently absorbed and function in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, "how much is absorbed" is an essential factor in fully realizing the value of functional ingredients.
For example, lutein, which is widely used in supplements, is a component mainly found in the macula of the retina of the eye and is also found in various foods, but it has been pointed out that it is not easily absorbed into the body.
To address this challenge, we collaborated with a university to develop a formulation technology that enhances lutein absorption, and we successfully confirmed improved absorption. Going forward, we will also work on developing products that utilize this technology.
Going forward, we will deepen our collaboration with universities and research institutions, carefully uncover the hidden potential of components that have not received sufficient attention until now, and conduct research to maximize their effects.
Through these initiatives, we aim to contribute to improving the health value of our customers.
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Visualizing the feeling of effectiveness by mimicking the living body
Oral medications exert their effects by their active ingredients assisting various bodily functions. However, it is difficult for the average consumer to visualize how medication works within their own body.
For example, the digestive enzymes contained in stomach medicines help digestion in the stomach, but most people probably have never imagined what effect stomach medicines have on them.
Stomach digestion simulator
Therefore, we used a "gastric digestion simulator" that mechanically mimics the peristaltic movement of the stomach to reproduce and visualize the digestive state.
This experiment successfully demonstrated that the ability to digest various foods declines with age, and that digestive enzyme-containing gastrointestinal medications can aid digestion.
This will allow for simple and consistent testing of the effectiveness of gastrointestinal medications, which will be used in the development of new products and in educating customers about the importance of gastrointestinal medications.
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Research to elucidate the sugar absorption inhibitory effect of Bofu-tsusho-san
Obesity is thought to develop when fat accumulates due to excessive intake of carbohydrates, and fructose in particular is attracting attention as a contributing factor to obesity.
Bofu-tsusho-san is composed of 18 kinds of herbal medicines and is believed to have multifaceted functions, including effects on the sympathetic nervous system, promotion of fat metabolism, and excretion of waste products. However, in recent years, its effect on sugar absorption has attracted attention. This study investigated its effect of inhibiting sugar absorption.
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Changes in blood fructose concentration over time with and without the use of Bofu-tsusho-san
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Investigation of fructose concentration in combinations of herbal medicines with heat-clearing properties.
Changes in blood fructose concentration over time
In the group administered Bofu-tsusho-san beforehand, blood fructose concentrations significantly decreased at 30, 60, and 120 minutes after fructose administration, suggesting that Bofu-tsusho-san has an effect of inhibiting fructose absorption. Furthermore, it was found that among the 18 herbal medicines, those with heat-clearing properties were involved in this effect, and it was confirmed that "Daio" (rhubarb) in particular showed a strong absorption-inhibiting effect, either alone or in combination with other herbal medicines containing it.
Based on these results, we hope to deepen our understanding of the role of each herb in Bofu-tsusho-san, which will lead to the development of higher-quality and more effective herbal medicines.
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From the taste to the appearance
Since supplements are meant to be taken daily, ease of consumption and taste are extremely important factors. However, there are many ingredients that, even if we want to include them in supplements, are not well-received due to their unique taste or flavor.
One example is liposomal vitamin C, which offers high absorption.
Therefore, we developed "THE LYPO Vitamin C Deep Capsule," a supplement that can be taken daily without worrying about the taste, by combining liposomal vitamin C into round granules and then encapsulating them in hard capsules.
The two-colored, round granules, yellow and white, visually represent the difference between a sustained-release and a fast-acting formulation, allowing customers to perceive the effects through their appearance. By utilizing pharmaceutical formulation technology conventionally used in drug development to optimize manufacturing conditions, we were able to achieve a near-perfect round shape, allowing the granules to be sealed in capsules while maintaining their round form without being crushed.
Furthermore, we have developed "THE LYPO Vitamin C Deep Powder," a granular type that can be taken without water and has a pleasant taste.
While retaining the charming yellow and white granules, it dissolves smoothly in the mouth, offering a refreshing tartness.
We designed this product to achieve a balance between two seemingly contradictory elements: maintaining a granule size that is easy to swallow and less likely to cause choking, while also dissolving quickly in the mouth. By balancing various aspects such as appearance, taste, and solubility, we have created a powder type that is enjoyable and easy to continue using.
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Efforts to make Bofu Tsusho San easier to take
Bofu-tsusho-san, composed of 18 kinds of herbal medicines, contains a large amount of active ingredient extract. When made into tablets, the tablets tend to be large, and the number of tablets taken is often high. We are striving to improve ease of administration through various formulation techniques.
Innovations in extract production
By manufacturing the extract and forming the tablets in-house within our group companies, we are able to achieve high concentration while preserving essential components, and consistent quality control enables us to reduce the amount of medication needed.
Strategies to reduce the dosage
To form the extract into tablets, additives are needed to solidify them. While additives typically make up 25-40% of the total weight, we have devised ways to reduce the amount used to a minimum of 7% by carefully selecting the types and formulations of additives, thereby reducing the amount that can be taken.
Improvements to the tablet shape
Left: Rohto Bofu Tsusho San Tablets ZII, Right: Rohto other product
We designed the tablets to have as few edges as possible, creating a smooth shape. The lack of sharp edges makes them less likely to get stuck in the throat, making them easier to swallow.
Tablet coating
For products requiring a particularly large number of tablets, the tablets are coated with a film to reduce the distinctive taste and aroma of the herbal medicine, making them easier to take daily and ultimately leading to better results.
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Clinical study demonstrating the liver function-improving effect of globin protein hydrolysates
The liver is a vital organ that plays essential roles in maintaining health, including energy production, detoxification, and metabolism. Furthermore, in recent years, poor dietary habits have made it easier to put a strain on the liver without realizing it, and the liver is often a "silent organ" whose function declines without any noticeable symptoms.
Therefore, maintaining normal liver function marker levels is a crucial key to maintaining good health.
Given this background, we focused on "globin protein hydrolysate," an original material of the Rohto Pharmaceutical Group, and conducted clinical trials.
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Changes in ALT levels over time in individuals with normal-high or slightly elevated blood triglyceride levels.
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Changes in AST levels over time in individuals with normal-high or slightly elevated blood triglyceride levels.
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Changes in ALT levels over time in individuals who consumed alcohol during the study period.
In an 8-week randomized, double-blind, parallel-group comparative study involving healthy men and women with slightly elevated liver function markers, the intake of globin protein hydrolysates significantly reduced liver function indicators ALT and AST in healthy adult men and women with elevated triglycerides. Furthermore, a decrease in ALT levels was observed in those who consumed alcohol.
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Novel effects of globin protein hydrolysates on improving ovarian ectopic fat
In recent years, studies in mice have shown that "ectopic fat"—fat that shouldn't normally accumulate in the ovaries—can build up in the ovaries, leading to fibrosis, a condition where the ovaries harden. This is attracting attention as a potential new health issue for women.
In a joint research project with a university, we used mice prone to ovarian fat accumulation and fibrosis to investigate the effects of a component called globin protein hydrolysate (GP). While mice have an estrous cycle equivalent to human menstruation, we confirmed that this cycle almost completely disappears when fat and fibrosis progress. This indicates a decline in ovarian function and a cessation of the rhythm.
Further research revealed that administering GP reduced ovarian fat, suppressed fibrosis, and restored the estrus cycle in some mice that had stopped.
GP is thought to enhance the ability of cells to use fat as energy and improve the environment of the ovaries.
Based on this academic knowledge, we are venturing into a completely new field: "revitalizing women's ovaries through metabolism."
We aim to address often overlooked issues such as ectopic fat and fibrosis, and to create new solutions that support women's future health through the power of food and oral medications.
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