The present disclosure is directed to a chewable matrix that can be used as a tool for collection of saliva samples. Also disclosed herein are methods for extracting saliva, and in particular microorganisms or nucleic acid, from the chewable matrix, methods for detecting an illness or infection in subjects using the chewable matrix, and kits for performing these methods.

The present disclosure is directed to a chewable matrix that can be used as a tool for collection of saliva samples. Also disclosed herein are methods for extracting saliva, and in particular microorganisms or nucleic acid, from the chewable matrix, methods for detecting an illness or infection in subjects using the chewable matrix, and kits for performing these methods.

A Stevia extract made from leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant is described. The extract has desired levels of steviol glycosides and is useful in food, beverage, and other consumable products.

A Stevia extract made from leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant is described. The extract has desired levels of steviol glycosides and is useful in food, beverage, and other consumable products.

The present invention relates to the production of steviol glycoside rebaudiosides D4, WB1 and WB2 and the production of rebaudioside M from Reb D4.

The present invention relates to the production of steviol glycoside rebaudiosides D4, WB1 and WB2 and the production of rebaudioside M from Reb D4.

The present disclosure is directed to chewing gum compositions having an improved sweetener release profile. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to chewing gum compositions comprising a combination of high potency sweeteners that includes at least one steviol glycoside and at least one high potency sweetener other than the steviol glycoside that does not demonstrate cross-adaptation with the steviol glycoside. When incorporated into chewing gum compositions, this combination of high potency sweeteners may be used to provide a consistent sweetness profile to the gum for extended periods of chewing.

The present disclosure is directed to chewing gum compositions having an improved sweetener release profile. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to chewing gum compositions comprising a combination of high potency sweeteners that includes at least one steviol glycoside and at least one high potency sweetener other than the steviol glycoside that does not demonstrate cross-adaptation with the steviol glycoside. When incorporated into chewing gum compositions, this combination of high potency sweeteners may be used to provide a consistent sweetness profile to the gum for extended periods of chewing.

An improved method for manufacture of chewing gums containing active ingredient(s) that preserves the efficacy of the active ingredient(s) by avoiding exposure to high heat and extreme cold during milling that can otherwise degrade the active's efficacy. A chewing gum base is used, along with one or more therapeutically-active ingredients, one or more sweeteners (alcohol-based and/or natural), and one or more flavorings and optional flavor modifiers. The method generally comprises heating the gum base in ovens to melt the gum base. Separately, the active ingredient(s), sweeteners and flavorings are combined in a mixer. The melted gum base is added to the mixer and cools to produce a particulate mixture. As mixing continues the mass cools to room temperature and forms granular pieces. The granular pieces are ground into a powder at room temperature, mixed at room temperature with tableting excipients, and tableted. Several variations on the foregoing are also described.

An improved method for manufacture of chewing gums containing active ingredient(s) that preserves the efficacy of the active ingredient(s) by avoiding exposure to high heat and extreme cold during milling that can otherwise degrade the active's efficacy. A chewing gum base is used, along with one or more therapeutically-active ingredients, one or more sweeteners (alcohol-based and/or natural), and one or more flavorings and optional flavor modifiers. The method generally comprises heating the gum base in ovens to melt the gum base. Separately, the active ingredient(s), sweeteners and flavorings are combined in a mixer. The melted gum base is added to the mixer and cools to produce a particulate mixture. As mixing continues the mass cools to room temperature and forms granular pieces. The granular pieces are ground into a powder at room temperature, mixed at room temperature with tableting excipients, and tableted. Several variations on the foregoing are also described.