PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide stress relief agents containing β-cryptoxanthin derived from citrus or its processed materials, which are capable of preventing, suppressing, or relieving the harmful effects on a living body caused by a psychological stress load and are especially effective in suppressing hypertrophy of the adrenal glands and atrophy of the thymus and genital organs.SOLUTION: The stress relief agents containing β-cryptoxanthin derived from citrus or its processed materials (preferably the rind or pressing residues of Citrus unshiu) as an active ingredient are incorporated into food and medicine to prepare orally administrable compositions. The β-cryptoxanthin is not limited to the ones derived from citrus or its processed materials but may be obtained by any other methods.COPYRIGHT: (C)2014,JPO&INPIT【課題】柑橘類又はその加工物由来のβ-クリプトキサンチンを用いた、精神的ストレス負荷による生体への悪影響を予防、抑制又は改善しうるストレス軽減剤、特に副腎の肥大を抑制する作用や胸腺・生殖器の萎縮を抑制する作用に優れたストレス軽減剤を提供すること。【解決手段】柑橘類又はその加工物(好ましくは温州ミカンの果皮又は圧搾残渣)に由来するβ-クリプトキサンチンを有効成分とするストレス軽減剤を、食品や医薬品に含有させた、経口投与組成物。但し、β-クリプトキサンチンは柑橘類又はその加工物に由来するものに限らず、いかなる方法で得られたもので良い。【選択図】なし
