I attended a lecture by Professor Kuniyoshi Shimizu from the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University.

The theme was "The Potential of Natural Materials and a Sustainable Society." He spoke about specialized research in a way that connected to our daily lives, making it a very memorable experience.

 

Treasures in what is discarded

Many examples of Professor Shimizu's research, which sheds light on "unused resources," were introduced.

• Olive Seed Pomace

  Seeds after oil extraction are usually discarded, but the professor discovered a component called "nuezaid" hidden within them. It was found to promote the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, effective in improving wrinkles and elasticity, thus creating new possibilities as a cosmetic ingredient.

• Breadfruit (Papua New Guinea)

  Random screening revealed high tyrosinase inhibitory activity, which has a skin-whitening effect. It is now used globally as a cosmetic ingredient.

• Bamboo Epidermis (Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture)

  Analysis of different parts confirmed that the epidermis contains abundant potent skin-whitening activity and moisturizing components. It has also been developed into a local brand called "Yamekaguya."

"There are treasures precisely in what is discarded" — this perspective was embedded throughout his research.

 

The Science of Scent

Another fascinating topic was the discussion of "scent."

Professor Shimizu scientifically measures scents, which previously had a strong image of "healing," to clarify their effects.

• Borneol acetate, a component of cypress and fir → Relaxation and sleep-inducing effects

• Scent of vetiver and laurel → Awakening and sustained concentration

It is said that collaborative research with an automotive company is also being conducted to support concentration during long drives using scent. In the future, purpose-specific products such as "scents before a meeting" and "scents before sleep" might appear based on scientific evidence.

 

Resonance with TANE All-Over Shampoo Bar

 

As I listened to this lecture, I kept thinking about our company's "TANE All-Over Shampoo Bar."

TANE is a product that upcycles and utilizes the "pomace (residue)" of camellia seeds harvested in Toshima. It gives new value to something that was previously discarded, delivering it in a way that is kind to both people and the planet.

This perfectly aligns with Professor Shimizu's philosophy of "finding treasures in what is discarded," which he spoke about in his research.

It made me very happy and reassured to know that researchers are also working from the perspective of "not wasting nature's bounty," just like us.

 

Further exploring the potential of camellia seeds

Therefore, I asked for a consultation to further explore the potential of camellia seeds, and together with Mr. Kato from Toshima Agricultural Cooperative, I had the opportunity for an online meeting to hear Professor Shimizu's opinion.

I apologize for being so presumptuous as to bombard him with questions and go over time.
Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule!

 

Camellia seeds are amazing after all

Camellia oil is extracted from camellia seeds, but only a tiny amount of oil can be squeezed from one seed. At CHANT, we also hold workshops for camellia seed oil extraction, and everyone is surprised, saying, "You can only get so little. That's why it's so expensive."

＜Camellia Oil Extraction Workshop＞

 

Recent research has shown that camellia seed pomace contains components called "saponins" and "polyphenols" in small but concentrated amounts.

Since these components are found more in the seed residue than in the oil, if their efficacy is scientifically proven, the seed residue, which was previously often discarded, could become a new industrial resource. This would be an ethical (ethical and sustainable) initiative that both reduces waste and contributes to regional revitalization!

I learned many new things about how to extract and test these active ingredients, and I'm very excited about the future possibilities.
If there's anything I can do, I would love to cooperate.

I hope that the power of Japan's proud wild camellia seeds will become more visible through research and reach more people.

 

About Professor Kuniyoshi Shimizu

Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University / Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences 

Research areas: Exploring functional components from natural products and forest bioresources and their social implementation, evaluating human physiological and psychological responses to scent components, and applied research for cosmetics, aromatherapy, functional foods, living environments, building materials, etc.