RS58457B1 - Tobacco substitute - Google Patents

Description

Description

[0001] The present invention relates, on the one hand, to a tobacco substitute for the production of smoking products and/or smoking substitute products based on mixtures of plant parts, wherein the mixture contains plant parts originating from Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis. Examples of known tobacco substitutes are described in documents KR 20010079406, EP 1304048, WO 2007126361 and DE 19719859.

[0002] On the other hand, the present invention relates to smoking products containing a tobacco substitute, as well as to smoking substitute products containing a tobacco substitute.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a process for the production of smoking products and/or smoking replacement products in which a substitute for tobacco based on plant parts is provided.

[0004] The term tobacco substitute refers to a material that can replace tobacco. Tobacco is a product derived from the leaves of the tobacco plant Nicotiana tabacum. Common smoking products, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, etc. nowadays they contain tobacco. In a regular cigarette, the tobacco is placed in a thin paper tube. In a cigarette that is a smoking product according to the invention and therefore contains a tobacco substitute, unlike a regular cigarette, all or part of the tobacco placed in a thin paper tube is replaced with a tobacco substitute.

[0005] Common smoking products are hereinafter referred to as tobacco products. However, smoking tobacco and tobacco products is harmful to health. It has been scientifically established that smoking is carcinogenic, that it has a negative effect on the skin, blood vessels, respiratory tract and fertility, and that it often causes cardiovascular diseases, etc. Also, more chemical substances are added during the production of tobacco products, making the smoke even more harmful to health. In addition, smoking tobacco products is not only harmful to those who smoke tobacco products, but also worsens the health of so-called passive smokers. Passive smokers are people who do not smoke tobacco products themselves, but instead inhale smoke from tobacco products smoked by others nearby. Passive smoking is especially problematic when tobacco products are smoked in poorly ventilated rooms.

[0006] Due to the numerous negative health effects associated with smoking tobacco products and the negative health effects associated with passive smoking of tobacco products, authorities in various countries have already taken steps to limit smoking of tobacco products. In many countries, for example, smoking tobacco products is prohibited in public places, such as schools, hospitals, stations, restaurants, cafes, etc. In some countries, there is a mandatory requirement that the packaging of tobacco products include a warning clearly indicating that smoking tobacco products is harmful to health. This warning is often accompanied by a picture and/or photo showing the disease caused by smoking tobacco products. The minimum smoking age has also been raised in certain countries, and the prices of tobacco products have been raised everywhere due to taxes and excise duties intended to discourage people from continuing to smoke tobacco products without restriction. These additional taxes and excises are also necessary to finance health insurance funds, since smokers of tobacco products generally have a greater need to use health insurance than non-smokers.

[0007] The authorities also implement or support campaigns aimed at helping tobacco smokers to quit smoking. However, smoking tobacco products is addictive, which often makes it difficult for the smoker to stop smoking tobacco products. Addiction to tobacco products is both physical and psychological. The physical component of addiction is caused by the presence of nicotine in tobacco products.

[0008] Like heroin and other addictive substances, nicotine has a stimulating effect, and nicotine is therefore one of the main factors that make smoking enjoyable. It increases blood circulation in the brain, and when it comes into contact with certain brain cells, neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, are produced. All of this results in improved concentration, better memory functioning, an activating and/or stimulating effect and a feeling of well-being. The activating/stimulating effect that can be caused by smoking tobacco products is called "nicotine kick". Nicotine can also have a relaxing effect that results from increased production of neurotransmitters and thus relieves stress in tobacco smokers. In addition, whenever the concentration of nicotine in the blood is reduced, this causes users who are addicted to tobacco to want to smoke tobacco products again in order to avoid the coming withdrawal symptoms and to maintain the dose of nicotine.

Among other factors, this nicotine dose is caused by nicotine's maintenance of high dopamine levels. Nicotine inhibits the enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as dopamine. High levels of dopamine cause pleasant feelings. When nicotine is broken down in the body, the amount of neurotransmitters decreases, and with it the levels of dopamine, which increases the desire for more nicotine, and thus for more tobacco products. When someone stops smoking tobacco products, and thereby stops consuming nicotine, this causes withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, headache, anxiety, concentration and sleep disorders, memory impairment, rapid passage of food through the body accompanied by increased appetite, which can lead to a significant increase in body weight in a short period. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually disappear about 10 days after quitting tobacco products.

[0009] The psychological component of addiction is considered to be behavioral addiction. This psychological aspect of addiction largely depends on one's motivation for smoking. Smoking tobacco products primarily resembles the sucking reflex and therefore satisfies it in the same way as baby bottles or a doll in younger children. Combined with the more subjective motivations that develop during addiction, this forms an integrated whole that appears in the subconscious, where it is not subjected to critical analysis by the intellect and becomes part of personal behavior. The highly aromatic warm smoke also creates a sense of mental well-being. Smoking tobacco products is often associated, consciously or unconsciously, with a certain positive atmosphere. The act of lighting up a cigarette very quickly becomes a habitual behavior that can be more ingrained than nicotine addiction. This psychological component of addiction is often responsible for the fact that after quitting tobacco products, the smoker has the impression that his/her quality of life has deteriorated.

[0010] In order to stop smoking tobacco products, it is necessary to overcome both physical and psychological dependence.

[0011] In order to reduce the withdrawal symptoms that occur when someone stops smoking tobacco products, smoking products and/or smoking replacement products containing tobacco substitutes are often used. That is why tobacco substitutes are substances that are used to suppress the desire for tobacco. In smoking products, a tobacco substitute (partially) replaces tobacco, so that a tobacco substitute can be smoked.

[0012] Smoking replacement products contain a substitute for tobacco and are used to help people quit smoking, and may include, for example, chewing gum, sweets, oral sprays, patches, etc.

[0013] EP 0616496 describes a tobacco substitute that has a pleasant taste and helps suppress withdrawal symptoms caused by psychological dependence on smoking tobacco products. This patent describes the use of plant parts as tobacco substitutes in smoking products and smoking substitute products, wherein the plant parts are derived at least in part from Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis. This allows products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipe smoking products and rolling tobacco to be produced in which tobacco is completely or partially replaced by a tobacco substitute. When smoking tobacco products is stopped, smoking modified cigars and cigarettes that contain a substitute for tobacco makes it simpler/easier to overcome the psychological dependence on smoking tobacco products, because after a certain period of smoking these modified cigarettes/cigars, which do not contain nicotine, the smoker discovers that smoking does not contribute to his/her quality of life, and that subconsciously suppressed motivations seem to be false. Smoking regular tobacco products after smoking, for example, a cigarette containing a tobacco substitute, will even seem unpleasant, since the tobacco substitute causes impregnation of the taste buds and olfactory receptors, which changes the taste of the regular tobacco products. In addition, the tar content and carbon monoxide content of the tobacco substitute smoke described in EP 0616496 is much lower than the tar content and carbon monoxide content of tobacco smoke, and is therefore much less hazardous to health. Additional use of plants containing pesticides/insecticides (pharmaceutical grade plants) does not cause dioxin release. In particular, regular tobacco contains pesticides/insecticides containing chlorine compounds. Combustion of these pesticides/insecticides causes the release of dioxins.

[0014] However, the tobacco substitute described in EP 0616496 overcomes the problem of physical dependence on smoking tobacco products, which is primarily nicotine dependence. In the first few days after quitting smoking, it is precisely the nicotine addiction that causes the smoker to return to tobacco products, since the need for nicotine is too great, and this need is not suppressed by the tobacco substitute described in EP 0616496.

[0015] Therefore, the aim of the invention is to find a tobacco substitute that can be used in the production of smoking products and/or smoking substitute products, wherein these smoking products and/or smoking substitute products help to suppress the need for nicotine, and thus the withdrawal symptoms caused by physical dependence on tobacco products to facilitate the cessation of smoking tobacco products, and the taste of the tobacco substitute is pleasant.

[0016] This goal was achieved by realizing a tobacco substitute for the production of smoking products and/or smoking substitute products based on a mixture of plant parts, wherein the mixture contains plant parts originating from Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis, wherein the mixture contains at least 5 wt. % of caffeine-containing plant parts and wherein the caffeine-containing plant parts are those derived from Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis and wherein the mixture contains at least 10 wt. % leaves of Althea officinalis.

[0017] The substitute for tobacco is not produced on the basis of parts of the tobacco plant, and therefore does not contain either tobacco or nicotine. For people who want to stop smoking tobacco products, it is important to suppress the desire for nicotine and the desire for a dose of nicotine during the first few days after stopping smoking tobacco products.

[0018] The tobacco substitute is produced on the basis of a mixture of plant parts that contains parts of plants that contain caffeine, and therefore contains caffeine. Caffeine is also called theine, mateine, and guaranine. Because caffeine has effects on the human body that are similar to certain aspects of nicotine's effects, caffeine helps suppress nicotine cravings. For example, caffeine increases blood circulation, and therefore also blood circulation to the brain, resulting in improved concentration and an activating/stimulating effect, as well as a reduction in appetite. That is why, so to speak, a significant part of the dose of nicotine is replaced by a dose of caffeine. Since the mixture contains at least 5 wt. % of plant parts containing caffeine, caffeine is present in said mixture in an amount sufficient to suppress/relieve nicotine cravings.

[0019] Caffeine is absorbed into the body during smoking of a smoking product containing a tobacco substitute or during the use of a smoking substitute containing a tobacco substitute. When smoked, caffeine is absorbed in forms such as vapor. Because of this, caffeine is absorbed directly in the blood vessels through the respiratory mucosa, so even very small amounts have a pronounced effect. Therefore, much lower concentrations of caffeine are needed to achieve the same effect, compared to, for example, caffeinated energy drinks.

[0020] Plant parts containing caffeine are already used in certain tobacco substitutes. In these known tobacco substitutes, however, the caffeine-containing plant parts adversely affect the taste and aroma of the product. For example, parts of Thea sinensis plants have an adverse effect on the taste and aroma of tobacco substitutes. Plant parts derived from Ilex paraguayensis also have an adverse effect on the taste and aroma of tobacco substitutes.

[0021] In the substitute for tobacco according to the invention, parts of plants originating from Ilex paraguayensis and parts of plants originating from Thea sinensis are used. Plant parts derived from Ilex paraguayensis neutralize the aroma and taste of plant parts derived from Thea sinensis, and plant parts derived from Thea sinensis also neutralize the aroma and taste of plant parts derived from Ilex paraguayensis. Therefore, by using these two types of caffeine-containing plant parts, the unpleasant aroma and taste properties of the plant parts as such are neutralized, and a caffeine-containing tobacco substitute is obtained, while the caffeine-containing plant parts do not adversely affect the taste and aroma of the tobacco substitute. Adding two types of plant parts that contain caffeine therefore only has a beneficial effect, that is, it makes caffeine desirable to suppress the desire for nicotine.

[0022] For a person who wants to quit smoking tobacco products, smoking products/smoking replacement products containing tobacco substitutes based on a mixture of plant parts containing caffeine-containing plant parts are a very effective aid, since smoking or using these products makes it less likely that the person will return to using tobacco products. This is because the presence of caffeine suppresses and alleviates nicotine cravings. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms experienced by a tobacco smoker in the period after cessation of smoking tobacco products are therefore significantly reduced, with the help of the tobacco substitute according to the invention. When a substitute for tobacco is smoked, caffeine is quickly absorbed through the smoke in the form of vapor by the mucosa, allowing a strong and short-lasting stimulation to occur.

[0023] About ten days after stopping smoking tobacco products, and often even after only five days, the user is mostly freed from physical addiction, i.e. nicotine addiction, and the former tobacco smoker is less likely to relapse. Therefore, it is extremely important to reduce/suppress the need for nicotine during the first few days after quitting tobacco products.

[0024] An additional advantage of caffeine is that it has effects on the human body that are similar to certain aspects of the effects of nicotine, but without the addictive properties of nicotine. When one dose of nicotine is no longer needed, the need for the next dose of caffeine becomes small and can be satisfied, if necessary, with a cup of coffee.

[0025] The need for smoking products and/or smoking replacement products containing a plant part-based tobacco substitute containing caffeine-containing plant parts is also reduced since nicotine addiction is eliminated, and especially because caffeine is much less addictive than nicotine. After a certain period, it therefore becomes quite easy to stop using these smoking products and/or smoking replacement products.

[0026] It is also important to overcome psychological dependence when quitting tobacco products, because if psychological dependence is neglected when quitting tobacco products, then it can lead to tobacco smokers returning to their dependence on tobacco, sometimes even years after stopping smoking tobacco products.

[0027] The mixture also contains plant parts derived from Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis. In this case, the substitute for tobacco is produced on the basis of a mixture of plant parts containing caffeine and parts of Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis plants. Since the mixture also contains parts of the plants Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis, this tobacco substitute is also additionally effective in helping to eliminate psychological dependence. The reason for this is that tobacco smokers will find it pleasant and acceptable to smoke a tobacco substitute based on parts of the plants Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis. The taste and aroma of smoke from a mixture containing plant parts derived from Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis can be compared to the taste and aroma of real tobacco products. Plant parts derived from Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis may also suppress off-flavors or aromas of plant parts derived from plants other than Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis. In this way, the parts of the plants that contain caffeine even have a smaller effect on the taste of the tobacco substitute.

[0028] If a mixture of caffeine-containing plant parts, Alchemilla vulgaris plant parts and Myrtus communis plant parts is used, where the weight percentages of Alchemilla vulgaris in relation to the mixture of only Alchemilla vulgaris and Myrtus communis are greater than 60 wt. %, then the tobacco substitute based on the mixture will be considered mild (also called light or light). If the mixture contains more than 90 wt. % of plant parts originating from Alchemilla vulgaris in relation to the mixture of Alchemilla vulgaris and Myrtus communis or containing only Alchemilla vulgaris, then the tobacco substitute based on the mentioned mixture will be considered very mild (ultra light).

Conversely, if the weight percentages of Myrtus communis in relation to the mixture of Alchemilla vulgaris and Myrtus communis are greater than 60 wt. %, then the tobacco substitute based on the mentioned mixture will be considered quite strong. If the mixture contains more than 90 wt. % of plant parts derived from Myrtus communis compared to a mixture of Alchemilla vulgaris and Myrtus communis or containing only Myrtus communis, then a tobacco substitute based on said mixture will be considered very strong.

[0030] Accordingly, caffeine suppresses the desire for nicotine, and parts of the plants Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis suppress the psychological desire to smoke tobacco products.

The behavioral habit remains satisfied along with subconscious motivations that will be recognized as false after a certain period without nicotine, which will result in a tobacco smoker who has switched to smoking products and/or smoking replacement products, containing a tobacco substitute according to the invention based on caffeine-containing plant parts and Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis plant parts, no longer wanting or almost no longer wanting to smoke tobacco products. If only a mixture that does not contain caffeine, but contains Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis, is used, then tobacco smokers may go back to it after only a few days, because the desire for nicotine would be too strong. If parts of the plants Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis were not used in the mixture, then certain tobacco smokers would return to it much faster, because without a sensation comparable to that produced by tobacco and without the ritual of smoking, the withdrawal symptoms caused by psychological dependence would be too strong for them. A mixture containing parts of caffeine-containing plants derived from Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis and parts of the plants Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis is therefore ideal.

[0031] Smoking/taking these tobacco substitutes is not dangerous or much less dangerous to health than tobacco. For example, tobacco smokers who do not want to quit smoking tobacco products, but who would like to lead a somewhat healthier life, can smoke smoking products in which some of the tobacco is replaced by a tobacco substitute described above.

[0032] After smoking a smoking product containing a tobacco substitute based on a mixture of plant parts containing parts of the plants Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis, the smoker often finds that smoking conventional tobacco products is unpleasant. If the desire for a tobacco product is too great during the period after quitting tobacco products, then the tobacco product will have an unusual and rather unpleasant taste/aroma, because the taste buds and smell receptors are impregnated with the tobacco substitute, which results in people who want to quit smoking tobacco products having a lower relapse rate.

[0033] In a tobacco substitute based on a mixture of Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis plant parts, the addition of plant parts originating from Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis has virtually no effect on the taste/aroma of the Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis mixture. Tobacco substitutes based on a mixture of plant parts derived from Ilex paraguayensis, Thea sinensis and Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis are therefore very effective in suppressing/alleviating both physical and psychological cravings.

[0034] Smoking/intake of these tobacco substitutes is not dangerous to health or is significantly less dangerous than tobacco, which results in (practically) no harm to health during the period after smoking cessation, and during smoking/intake of these tobacco substitutes. In addition, it is only necessary to use these tobacco substitutes until the tobacco smoker is free from tobacco addiction. This takes an average of 6 to 8 weeks.

[0035] In smoking products/substitute smoking products, all or part of the regular tobacco may be replaced by a tobacco substitute. Therefore, it is possible to offer someone who wants to quit smoking smoking products that have a gradually decreasing tobacco content in order to achieve a gradual reduction of the nicotine content and its addictive effect.

[0036] The leaves of Althea officinalis have a technically interesting leaf structure. This is especially important for the processing of tobacco substitutes. In particular, these leaves allow a mixture of plant parts to be formed in a simple and fast way. When these Althea officinalis leaves are cut to form a mixture of plant parts, the cut Althea officinalis leaves form a mass that can hold smaller parts, such as those derived from leaves of other plants that have a finer leaf structure. Thea sinensis leaves have this type of fine structure and therefore it is more difficult to process the mixture. In the processing of tobacco substitutes that consist of a mixture of plant parts as such and are used, for example, in the production of cigarettes/cigars, etc. and/or rolling tobacco/pipe tobacco, etc., it is especially important that processing takes place in an appropriate manner. For example, if the mixture is to be used in a cigarette, then it is transferred in the cigarette-paper machine by means of a carrier current. After this, the filter is attached, and the cigarette paper must be tightly folded and glued. The risk in the mechanical production of cigarettes is that there may be further fragmentation, dust formation and loss of the finer parts of the plants. This can be prevented by further compacting the material, but this means that an excessively strong draw will be required to smoke the smoking product. In addition, the higher draw-in force also lowers the combustion temperature, thereby increasing the tar and carbon monoxide content. Since the leaves of Althea officinalis are used in the mixture, the above risk is avoided without the need for additional compaction, as these leaves form a mass that holds the smaller parts together. In order to take the optimal advantage of using Althea officinalis, at least 10 wt. % leaves of Althea officinalis. A substitute for tobacco containing a mixture of plant parts where the mixture does not contain Althea officinalis leaves is less homogeneous and results in more loss during cigarette production and shedding after cigarette production, especially during handling of packaging containing cigarettes. The leaves of Althea officinalis also contribute to the favorable flavor of the tobacco substitute. In addition, these leaves also have a beneficial effect on respiratory health. That is why this plant is traditionally used in teas or compositions used to treat respiratory disorders. Alternatively, a substitute for tobacco can be realized for the production of smoking products and/or smoking substitute products based on a mixture of plant parts, wherein said mixture contains at least 5 wt. % of caffeine-containing plant parts, wherein the caffeine-containing plant parts are derived from both Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis, and wherein the mixture contains at least 10 wt. % leaves of Althea officinalis. In this case, the caffeinated plant parts provide the required caffeine without adversely affecting the flavor or aroma properties of the mixture. The leaves of Althea officinalis provide the mixture with favorable processability and contribute to the favorable taste of the mixture. A favorable and pleasant taste of the mixture can be provided in this case by plant parts other than those derived from Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis.

[0037] In a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment, the ratio of weight percentages of plant parts derived from Ilex paraguayensis to the sum of weight percentages of plant parts derived from Ilex paraguayensis and weight percentages of plant parts derived from Thea sinensis is between 0.285 and 0.57. It follows that the ratio of weight percentages of plant parts derived from Thea sinensis to the sum of weight percentages of plant parts derived from Ilex paraguayensis and weight percentages of plant parts derived from Thea sinensis is primarily between 0.43 and 0.715. For these relationships, the parts of the Thea sinensis plants and the parts of the Ilex paraguayensis plants have the most favorable effect on each other, and the unfavorable properties of aroma and taste originating from both types of plant parts are neutralized in the most favorable way. For these relationships, the parts of plants that contain caffeine have virtually no effect on the taste and aroma of tobacco substitutes and therefore mainly play the role of contributing to the supply of caffeine. The value of the desirable range of these ratios is partly determined by the fact that the caffeine content of these plants depends on the season, location and climate.

[0038] The mixture even more preferably contains 1 to 94 wt. % parts of Alchemilla vulgaris plants, 1 to 94 wt. % parts of Myrtus communis plants and at least 5 wt. % of plant parts containing caffeine. With this composition, the most favorable results are obtained for a tobacco substitute based on this mixture. Final mixing ratios depend on the season and climate. The reason is that the composition of plants also depends on the season and climate. If at least 10 wt. % Althea officinalis, then weight percentages of Alchemilla vulgaris plant parts and Myrtus communis plant parts between 1 and 84 are preferred.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferable to use the leaves of Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis. These leaves are most suitable for use in a mixture of plant parts, since they do not cause any technical problems in drying, rewetting and then cutting into tobacco substitutes for use, for example, in cigarettes, cigars, etc. Leaves are also used in the production of tobacco, so the leaves of other plants can be dried, cut and processed in a similar way to the leaves of the tobacco plant. In cigars, cigarettes, etc., the tobacco substitute will therefore primarily contain a mixture of plant parts as such.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the mixture contains 20 to 50 wt. % leaves of Althea officinalis. These weight percentages allow obtaining the most favorable results from the point of view of processing the mixture, for example, in a machine for the production of cigarettes. If Myrtus communis leaves are used, which represent smaller parts during processing, then Althea officinalis leaves, among other things, ensure that these smaller parts are not lost. The weight percentages of Althea officinalis leaves can be, for example, 30 or 40.

[0041] The content of Althea officinalis in the range of 20 to 50 wt. % also has a beneficial effect on the taste of the tobacco substitute and has a beneficial effect on the health of the respiratory tract.

[0042] The mixture primarily contains 2 to 20 wt. % parts of the plant Ilex paraguayensis. For these percentages, a tobacco substitute that contains enough caffeine is obtained, and the optimal taste of the tobacco substitute is also achieved. The value of the preferred weight percent range is partly determined by the fact that the caffeine content of the Ilex paraguayensis plant depends on the season, location and climate.

[0043] The mixture primarily contains 5 to 15 wt. % parts of Thea sinensis plants. For these percentages, a substitute for tobacco with enough caffeine is obtained, and the optimal taste of the substitute is also achieved. For percentages greater than 15 wt. % parts of the Thea sinensis plant, the flavor deviations will be too large. The value of the desired weight percent range is partly determined by the fact that the caffeine content of the Thea sinensis plant depends on the season, location and climate.

[0044] Furthermore, the parts of the plants that contain caffeine are primarily the leaves originating from Ilex paraguayensis and the leaves of Thea sinensis. The leaves of the above-mentioned plants are the most effective in the mixture, since they do not cause any technical problems when they are dried and cut into tobacco substitutes, for example, for cigarettes and cigars. Leaves are also used in the production of tobacco, which is why the leaves of other plants can also be processed in a similar way. In this way, it is possible to get a substitute for tobacco that is a mixture of cut leaves and therefore has the same appearance as cut tobacco.

[0045] If the leaves of Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis are used, then in addition the mixture of plant parts will contain additional antioxidants. These antioxidants are primarily present in Thea sinensis, and these antioxidants can neutralize the radicals that are formed when the tobacco substitute is burned and can be inhaled with the smoke.

[0046] The mixture primarily contains at least 1 wt. % plant parts originating from Myrtus communis. Myrtus communis contains myrtenol, an essential oil. Myrtenol neutralizes harmful free radicals that are released during the burning of tobacco substitutes, which results in free radicals not entering the respiratory tract or far fewer of them. Myrtenol also has an antitussive effect. The mixture primarily contains 2 to 20 wt. % Myrtus communis.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the mixture contains an average of 7 to 35 wt. % of plant parts containing caffeine. The percentage by weight of plant parts containing caffeine is primarily greater than 7 wt. %, so enough caffeine is present to suppress/alleviate nicotine cravings. However, the caffeine content should primarily not be too high to prevent undesirable effects caused by excessively high caffeine content, such as heart rhythm disorders. An excessively high content of caffeine-containing plant parts also has an undesirable effect on the taste and aroma of tobacco substitutes based on this mixture. For example, the ideal content is 15 to 20 wt. % of plant parts containing caffeine in a mixture of plant parts. The caffeine content is then optimal, and there is no risk of deviations in the taste and/or aroma of tobacco substitutes based on this mixture.

[0048] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the mixture contains parts of aromatic plants, extracts of aromatic plants and/or synthetic equivalents of aromas of aromatic plants. The term aromatic herbs refers to herbs that contain components that can contribute to a certain desirable taste and/or desirable aroma of the mixture. If the mixture also contains aromatic plants, extracts of aromatic plants, and/or synthetic equivalents of aromatic plants, then it is possible to obtain a wide range of different odors and/or tastes, so that the tobacco substitute based on the mixture acquires the characteristics of the smell and/or taste of the most popular varieties of tobacco, such as classic light Virginia tobacco, dark strong African tobacco, or aromatic Turkish tobacco.

[0049] Furthermore, aromatic plants are primarily selected from the group of Trifolium pratense, Asperula odorata, latica roda Rosa (Rosa (floss)), Vanilla planifolia, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mentha piperita, Salvia officinalis, Thymus vulgaris and Eucalyptus globulus. Asperula odorata, and especially the petals of the genus Rosa, are very suitable for obtaining a substitute for tobacco that has the desired aroma and taste properties. For example, the weight percentage of Trifolium pratense plant parts can be between 6 and 10 wt. % of the mixture, the weight percentage of Asperula odorata plant parts can be 1 to 10 wt. % or 6 to 10 wt. % of the mixture and the petals of the genus Rosa can make up 1 to 20 wt. % or 4 to 8 wt. % mixture, etc.

[0050] The addition of aromatic plants to the mixture from the group of Mentha piperita, Salvia officinalis, Thymus vulgaris and Eucalyptus globulus is desirable because the smoke from the tobacco substitute based on the above mixture has an analgesic, expectorant and/or antiseptic effect depending on the respective properties of the added plants and their weight ratio. This effect can significantly alleviate the common disorders that smokers suffer from. For example, morning cough, susceptibility to respiratory infections and bad breath may be alleviated/improved.

[0051] Since the mixture in this specific embodiment contains parts of plants containing caffeine and/or Myrtus communis and/or Alchemilla vulgaris and one or more parts of aromatic plants, extracts of aromatic plants and/or synthetic equivalents of aromatic plants, it is possible to obtain in this way different types of mixture, each of which has its own taste and/or aroma, which leads to the fact that the user of the tobacco substitute based on this mixture can choose his own favorite taste and/or aroma. With certain mixtures, the unpleasant effect of smoking tobacco products after smoking a smoking product containing a tobacco substitute is even intensified.

[0052] The mixture primarily contains parts of aromatic plants, whereby the mentioned parts of plants of each aromatic plant make up a maximum of 20 wt. % substitute for tobacco. If excessive amounts of parts of a specific aromatic plant are added, this would have an undesirable effect on the aroma and flavor of the tobacco substitute. If one aromatic plant makes up more than 20 wt. % and/or if several aromatic herbs together make up more than 35 wt. % of the entire mixture, then the Myrtus communis and/or Alchemilla vulgaris plant parts can no longer suppress the excessive effect of the aromatic plant parts.

[0053] Primarily, extracts of aromatic plants and/or synthetic equivalents of aromas of aromatic plants make up a maximum of 5 wt. % mixture. In the case of extracts and/or synthetic equivalents, it is not necessary to add them further to the mixture in order to obtain a tobacco substitute based on this mixture having a favorable aroma and/or taste. If too much is added, then the aroma will be too strong. In addition, in certain cases these extracts and/or synthetic equivalents may cause an increase in tar and carbon monoxide content when smoking a tobacco substitute containing this mixture. To limit such an increase, it is preferable not to add more of these extracts and/or synthetic equivalents to the mixture. For a maximum percentage of 5 wt. %, the content of tar and carbon monoxide, when smoking a substitute for tobacco containing this mixture, is significantly lower than the content of tar and carbon monoxide when smoking tobacco products.

[0054] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the mixture contains

• 10 to 30 wt. % Alchemilla vulgaris;

• 2 to 20 wt. % Myrtus communis;

• 2 to 20 wt. % Ilex paraguayensis;

• 5 to 15 wt. % Thea sinensis;

• 20 to 50 wt. % Althea officinalis;

• 1 to 10 wt. % Asperula odorata;

• 1 to 20 wt. % petals of the genus Rosa.

[0055] The most favorable results for a tobacco substitute based on a mixture of plant parts are obtained when the composition of the mixture is as described above.

[0056] In a variant embodiment, the mixture contains

• 1 to 61 wt. % Alchemilla vulgaris

• 1 to 61 wt. % Myrtus communis

• 15 to 20 wt. % Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis

• 10 to 40 wt. % Althea officinalis

• 1 to 10 wt. % Trifolium pratense

• 4 to 10 wt. % Asperula odorata

• 4 to 10 wt. % petals of the genus Rosa

• 1 to 5 wt. % of aromatic plant extracts and/or synthetic equivalents of aromatic plants.

[0057] The above-mentioned objective of the present invention is also achieved by the realization of the process for the production of smoking products and/or smoking replacement products, whereby a tobacco substitute based on plant parts is realized and the tobacco substitute represents the above-described tobacco substitute.

[0058] In addition, the present invention also realizes smoking products and/or smoking substitute products containing the above-described tobacco substitute.

[0059] Smoking products may include cigarettes, cigars, pipe fillers and rolling tobacco. In smoking products containing a tobacco substitute, all or part of the regular tobacco has been replaced with a tobacco substitute. That is why primarily a substitute for tobacco is a mixture, such as the one described above, as such. Smoking the tobacco substitute described above is significantly less dangerous to health than smoking tobacco. This is due to the presence of substances, antioxidants, such as essential oils that bind free radicals, the absence of nicotine, and the fact that the weight volume of the tobacco substitute is less than the weight volume of tobacco, which results in a more favorable combustion of the tobacco substitute and therefore results in the production of less harmful substances when the tobacco substitute is smoked.

[0060] The term smoking replacement products refers to chewing gums, sweets, oral sprays, etc. which suppress the desire for tobacco products. The tobacco substitute according to the invention may consist of a powdered mixture of plant parts and may be included in smoking substitute products in powder form, or the tobacco substitute may be an extract of the mixture of plant parts according to the invention, and this extract may be included in smoking substitute products. Extraction is performed using a suitable solvent. The extract can then be, for example, dissolved in a liquid or mixed with a powder and then used in an aerosol device, a metered aerosol device (buffer), a powder inhaler, etc. Aerosol devices, puffers, and powder inhalers are suitable as they can be used without violating anti-smoking regulations. It is also possible to put the extract into capsules for use in an electronic cigarette.

[0061] The subject invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following detailed description of several preferred and variant tobacco substitute compositions according to the subject invention. This description is provided solely for the purpose of providing illustrative examples and to indicate the following advantages and special features of the subject invention, and therefore should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of application of the invention or the patent rights defined by the patent claims.

[0062] An example of a possible mixture composition is:

wt. %

Alchemilla vulgaris 25

Myrtus communis 20

Althea officinalis 26

Ilex paraguayensis 5

Thea sinensis 10

Asperula odorata 8

petals of the genus Rosa 6

[0063] Of course, other compositions are also possible. In this case, the substitute for tobacco is a mixture of plant parts as such. As parts of the plants Myrtus communis, Alchemilla vulgaris, Althea officinalis, Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis, only their leaves are used in the mixture. Therefore, the tobacco substitute is very suitable for smoking and use as a tobacco substitute in cigarettes, cigars and pipes, etc. This is because the appearance of the tobacco substitute, with the exception of its color, is similar to the appearance of cut tobacco, and because the processing/production process of the smoking product containing the tobacco substitute is similar to the manufacturing process of the smoking product containing tobacco. This is due to the fact that cut tobacco is also formed from leaves. Of course, the substitute for tobacco can also be an extract of the mixture.

[0064] The tobacco substitute according to this example contains parts of plants that contain caffeine. Especially parts of the plants Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis. These caffeine-containing plant parts cause the caffeine present in the tobacco substitute to be ingested by the user of said tobacco substitute. Therefore, persons who wish to quit smoking tobacco products by using smoking products and/or smoking replacement products containing a tobacco replacement according to the present invention will absorb caffeine when using said products or replacements. This caffeine is important in suppressing nicotine cravings and nicotine cravings. The caffeine present in tobacco substitutes helps suppress/alleviate this nicotine craving, as caffeine has effects on the human body that are similar to certain aspects of nicotine's effects. In these smoking products/substitute smoking products, all or part of the tobacco may be replaced by a tobacco substitute. For example, one can gradually reduce the amount of tobacco by gradually reducing the nicotine content and thus its addictive effect. For people who are highly dependent on nicotine, it is helpful to replace the amount of tobacco in their smoking products/smoking substitutes with a tobacco substitute in ever-increasing amounts.

[0065] When a person who has stopped smoking tobacco has not ingested nicotine for more than about 10 days, then the addiction to nicotine has disappeared in most cases. Since this nicotine addiction is eliminated, the chance of relapse is much less. That's why tobacco substitutes are useful in helping a person get through these crucial first days after quitting tobacco products.

[0066] The total percentage by weight of these plant parts containing caffeine is 15 wt. % of the total weight of the tobacco substitute. That is why the content is greater than 7 wt. %, which results in the fact that enough caffeine is present to supply the body with a dose of caffeine, which results in the desire for nicotine being suppressed/reduced. The content is also less than 35 wt. %, which results in the prevention of possible side effects caused by an excessively high concentration of caffeine in the body. In addition, the content of parts of plants that contain caffeine, in this case the leaves, is between 15 and 20 wt. %, and the weight percentage of Thea sinensis leaves does not exceed 15 wt. %, so that it does not adversely affect the aroma and taste of the tobacco substitute. The ratios of the parts of the caffeine-containing plants Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis have been chosen in such a way that these substances have a beneficial effect on each other, resulting in them having little effect on the taste of the tobacco substitute. A mixture of caffeine-containing plant parts consists of 1/3 Ilex paraguayensis and 2/3 Thea sinensis.

[0067] The substitute for tobacco contains 25 wt. % leaves of Alchemilla vulgaris and 20 wt. % leaves of Myrtus communis. Since tobacco substitutes containing Alchemilla vulgaris and Myrtus communis are used, not only nicotine dependence is suppressed, but also psychological dependence. This is due to the fact that tobacco smokers will perceive smoking a tobacco substitute containing parts of Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis as pleasant and acceptable. The taste and aroma of smoke from these plant parts are really comparable to the taste and aroma of smoke from real tobacco products. The weight percentage of Alchemilla vulgaris and the weight percentage of Myrtus communis are similar. The weight percentage of Alchemilla vulgaris and the weight percentage of Myrtus communis in relation to the mixture of Alchemilla vulgaris and Myrtus communis alone is less than 60 weight. %, which results in the fact that the substitute for tobacco in this case does not have a characteristically mild or strong taste, but is more comparable to the neutral taste of tobacco. Of course, the contents of Alchemilla vulgaris and Myrtus communis can be adjusted to give a more characteristic light and/or heavy taste.

[0068] More than 1 wt. % of plant parts, especially the leaves of Myrtus communis, which results in the presence of a sufficient amount of myrtenol (the essential oil contained in Myrtus communis). Myrtenol neutralizes free radicals that are released when tobacco substitutes are burned.

[0069] The substitute for tobacco contains 26 wt. % leaves of Althea officinalis. Using the leaves of this plant instead of tobacco can also have a beneficial effect on the health of the respiratory tract. The leaves of Althea officinalis have a technically interesting leaf structure. When these leaves are cut to form a substitute for tobacco, a mass is formed which can hold in place the smaller parts, such as those derived from the leaves of Myrtus communis and Asperula odorata. A tobacco substitute consisting of a mixture of plant parts, wherein the mixture contains the leaves of Althea officinalis, is also more homogeneous than a mixture that does not contain it, resulting in lower losses during the manufacture of cigarettes and less scrap after their manufacture. Presence 26 wt. % leaves of Althea officinalis has a beneficial effect on the intended production process in the machine for the production of cigarettes containing tobacco substitutes.

[0070] The tobacco substitute additionally contains parts of Asperula odorata plants and petals of the genus Rosa (Rosa (floss)). These are plants that contain components that contribute to improving the aroma and/or taste of the tobacco substitute (aromatic plants), and they give an even better taste and aroma to the tobacco substitute, whereby the aroma and taste of the tobacco substitute are even more similar to the aroma and taste of tobacco.

[0071] Plant parts of Asperula odorata and petals of the genus Rosa, each individually do not make more than 20 wt. % of the entire substitute for tobacco. The small content of these aromatic plants in place of tobacco ensures an even better taste and aroma. However, if these aromatic plants are present in excessive amounts, then parts of the Myrtus communis and/or Alchemilla vulgaris plants can no longer suppress the excessively strong flavor and aroma properties of these aromatic plants.

[0072] In a variant embodiment, the mixture contains:

wt. %

Alchemilla vulgaris 25

Myrtus communis 20

Althea officinalis 15

Ilex paraguayensis 5

Thea sinensis 10

Trifolium pratense 9

Asperula odorata 8

Rosa floss 6

Syrup with Glycyrrhiza glabra extract 1.82

Vanilla flavor /ethanol 0.18

[0073] In this case, the tobacco substitute also contains extracts of aromatic plants. It is important that the percentage of each of these extracts be from 0.01 to 5 wt. % of the total substitute for tobacco without the total weight percentages of these extracts exceeding 5 wt. % substitute for tobacco. In the example given here, this is indeed the case. These small amounts of extracts contribute to providing an even better taste and aroma without increasing the tar and carbon monoxide content when smoking tobacco substitutes.

[0074] In the following variant embodiment, the mixture contains:

• 1 to 54 wt. % Alchemilla vulgaris

• 1 to 54 wt. % Myrtus communis

• 10 to 40 wt. % Althea officinalis;

• 15 to 20 wt. % Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis

• 20 to 30 wt. % Asperula odorata and/or petals of the genus Rosa.

[0075] Smoking products containing a tobacco substitute which is a mixture according to the variant embodiment mentioned above were given to 10 test subjects. Two test subjects reported that the taste and aroma of the smoking product was too different from their usual smoking tobacco product and that it was therefore difficult to get used to the new product. However, all test subjects found that after about 10 days of using only smoking products containing a tobacco substitute, the need for their usual tobacco products was greatly reduced or even completely eliminated.

[0076] In another variant embodiment, the mixture contains:

• 1 to 64 wt. % Alchemilla vulgaris

• 1 to 64 wt. % Myrtus communis

• 15 to 20 wt. % Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis

• 10 to 30 wt. % Althea officinalis

• 5 to 10 wt. % Asperula odorata

• 5 to 20 wt. % Rosa floss

• 1 to 5 wt. % Trifolium pratense.

[0077] Smoking products containing a tobacco substitute which is a mixture according to the variant embodiment mentioned above were given to 10 test subjects. Only one test subject reported that the taste and aroma of the smoking product was too different from his usual smoking tobacco product and that it was therefore difficult to get used to the new product. However, all test subjects found that after 3 to 5 days of using these smoking products, their need for regular tobacco products was greatly reduced or even completely eliminated.

Claims (15)

Patent claims 1. Tobacco substitute for the production of smoking products and/or smoking substitute products based on a mixture of plant parts, wherein the mixture contains plant parts originating from Alchemilla vulgaris and/or Myrtus communis, characterized in that the mixture contains at least 5 wt. % of parts of plants containing caffeine and that the parts of plants containing caffeine come from both Ilex paraguayensis and Thea sinensis and that the mixture contains at least 10 wt. % leaves of Althea officinalis. 2. The tobacco substitute according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio of weight percentages of plant parts originating from Ilex paraguayensis to the sum of weight percentages of plant parts originating from Ilex paraguayensis and weight percentages of plant parts originating from Thea sinensis is between 0.285 and 0.57. 3. A substitute for tobacco according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the mixture contains 20 to 50 wt. % leaves of Althea officinalis. 4. Tobacco substitute according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the mixture contains 2 to 20 wt. % parts of Ilex paraguayensis plants. 5. Tobacco substitute according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the mixture contains 5 to 15 wt. % parts of Thea sinensis plants. 6. A tobacco substitute according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the caffeine-containing plant parts are derived from the leaves of Ilex paraguayensis and the leaves of Thea sinensis. 7. Tobacco substitute according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the mixture contains at least 1 wt. % plant parts originating from Myrtus communis. 8. Substitute for tobacco according to one of the previous requirements, characterized in that the parts of plants containing caffeine make up from 7 to 35 wt. % mixture. 9. Tobacco substitute according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mixture contains parts of aromatic plants, extracts of aromatic plants, and/or synthetic equivalents of aromas of aromatic plants. 10. Tobacco substitute according to claim 9, characterized in that the mixture contains parts of aromatic plants, wherein said parts of each aromatic plant make up a maximum of 20 wt. % mixture. 11. Tobacco substitute according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the mixture contains extracts of aromatic plants and/or synthetic equivalents of aromas of aromatic plants, wherein said extracts and/or synthetic equivalents make up a maximum of 5 wt. % mixture. 12. Tobacco substitute according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the mixture contains: • 10 to 30 wt. % Alchemilla vulgaris • 2 to 20 wt. % Myrtus communis • 2 to 20 wt. % Ilex paraguayensis • 5 to 15 wt. % Thea sinensis • 20 to 50 wt. % Althea officinalis • 1 to 10 wt. % Asperula odorata • 1 to 20 wt. % petals of the genus Rosa. 13. Smoking products containing a tobacco substitute, characterized in that the tobacco substitute is a tobacco substitute according to one or more of claims 1 to 12. 14. A smoking substitute product containing a tobacco substitute, characterized in that the tobacco substitute is a tobacco substitute according to one or more of claims 1 to 12. 15. Process for the production of smoking products and/or smoking substitute products, whereby a tobacco substitute based on plant parts is realized, characterized in that the tobacco substitute is a tobacco substitute according to one or more requirements 1 to 12. Published and printed by: Institute for Intellectual Property, Belgrade, Kneginje Ljubice 5