LIQUID VAPE BASE AND EXTRACTION PROCESS

Abstract

A botanical matrix and a base are disclosed for use in producing vapes. The base includes propanediol, vegetal glycerin and a blend of two or more botanical additives. The propanediol and glycerin may be lab produced for improved consistency. Additional ingredients including active ingredients may be added to the base to produce a vape. The botanical additives provide a base that has a smoother impression and reduces or eliminates throat burn.

Claims

1. A vaping mixture for inhalation, comprising: a base including: propanediol; vegetal glycerin (VGt); and a blend of two or more botanicals; and one or more active ingredients for producing a desired physiological effect.

2. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the propanediol comprises a laboratory produced propanediol (LPP).

3. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the VGt is derived from at least one of corn, coconut, soy, and bamboo.

4. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the VGt comprises a laboratory produced vegetal glycerin (LPVGt).

5. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the blend of botanicals comprises at least two botanicals selected from the group: lobelia; coltsfoot; eucalyptus; lungwort; oregano; and algae juice

6. The mixture of claim 5, wherein the blend of botanicals comprises at least five botanicals selected from said group.

7. The mixture of claim 1, wherein said base comprises from about 5% to about 95% LPP by weight.

8. The mixture of claim 1, wherein said base comprises from about 5% to about 95% LPVGt by weight.

9. The mixture of claim 5, wherein said base comprises from about 1% to 10% lobelia by weight.

10. The mixture of claim 5, wherein said base comprises from about 0.5% to about 5% coltsfoot by weight.

11. The mixture of claim 5, wherein said base comprises from about 0.5% to 5% eucalyptus by weight.

12. The mixture of claim 5, wherein said base comprises from about 0.25% to 2.5% lungwort by weight.

13. The mixture of claim 5, wherein said base comprises from about 0.25% to about 2.5% oregano by weight.

14. The mixture of claim 5, wherein said base comprises from about 0.1% to about 2.5% algae juice by weight.

15. The mixture of claim 1, wherein the active ingredients include an ingredient selected from the group: cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, nicotine, guarana, caffeine, a dietary supplement, a vitamin, and a medication.

16. The mixture of claim 1, wherein said active ingredients include at least two ingredients selected from the group: holy basil; saffron; ashwagandaha; licorice; gotu kola; and Saint John's wort.

17. The mixture of claim 16, wherein said active ingredients include at least five ingredients selected from said group.

18. The mixture of claim 17, wherein said active ingredients are free from one of gotu kola and Saint John's wort.

19. The mixture of claim 5, comprising: about 48.7% propanediol by weight; about 46% VGt by weight; about 2% lobelia by weight; about 1% coltsfoot by weight; about 1% eucalyptus by weight; about 0.5% lungwort by weight; about 0.5% oregano by weight; and about 0.25% algae juice by weight.

20. A method for producing a vaping product, comprising: blending propanediol and vegetal glycerin (VGt) to form a mixture; blending two or more botanicals; and mixing the botanicals into the mixture to form a base.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: homogenizing the solution for at least 10 minutes.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the propanediol comprises a laboratory produced propanediol variant (LPP).

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the VGt is derived from at least one of corn, coconut, soy and bamboo.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the VGt comprises a laboratory produced VGt (LPVGt).

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the base comprises about 45-55% propanediol and 45-50% VGt.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein: the base is maintained at a temperature of about 106? F. for at least about three hours.

27. The method of claim 20, wherein the botanicals comprise at least two of lobelia, coltsfoot, eucalyptus, lungwort, oregano, and algae juice.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the blending of the botanicals comprises: measuring, compounding, and sealing the botanicals in a tank for at least about 12 hours at about room temperature.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the mixing comprises extrusion screwing for at least about 5 hours.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the extrusion screwing is performed at a temperature between about 145? F. and about 160? F.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the extrusion screwing is performed at a temperature of about 152? F.

32. The method of claim 20, wherein the base comprises: about 48.7% propanediol by weight; about 46% VGt by weight; about 2% lobelia by weight; about 1% coltsfoot by weight; about 1% eucalyptus by weight; about 0.5% lungwort by weight; about 0.5% oregano by weight; and about 0.25% algae juice by weight.

33. The method of claim 20, further comprising blending an active ingredient into the solution.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group: cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, nicotine, guarana, caffeine, a dietary supplement, a vitamin, and a medication.

35. The product produced by the method of any one of claims 20-34.

36. A vaping base, comprising: propanediol; vegetal glycerin (VGt); and a blend of two or more botanicals.

37. The base of claim 36, wherein the propanediol comprises a laboratory produced propanediol (LPP).

38. The base of claim 36, wherein the VGt is derived from at least one of corn, coconut, soy, and bamboo.

39. The base of claim 36, wherein the VGt comprises a laboratory produced vegetal glycerin (LPVGt).

40. The base of claim 36, wherein the blend of botanicals comprises at least two botanicals selected from the group: lobelia; coltsfoot; eucalyptus; lungwort; oregano; and algae juice.

41. The base of claim 36, wherein said base comprises from about 5% to about 95% propanediol by weight.

42. The base of claim 36, wherein said base comprises from about 5% to about 95% VGt by weight.

43. The base of claim 40, wherein said base comprises from about 1% to 10% lobelia by weight.

44. The base of claim 40, wherein said base comprises from about 0.5% to about 5% coltsfoot by weight.

45. The base of claim 40, wherein said base comprises from about 0.5% to 5% eucalyptus by weight.

46. The base of claim 40, wherein said base comprises from about 0.25% to 2.5% lungwort by weight.

47. The base of claim 40, wherein said base comprises from about 0.25% to about 2.5% oregano by weight.

48. The base of claim 40, wherein said base comprises from about 0.1% to about 2.5% algae juice by weight.

49. The base of claim 40, comprising: about 48.7% propanediol by weight; about 46% VGt by weight; about 2% lobelia by weight; about 1% coltsfoot by weight; about 1% eucalyptus by weight; about 0.5% lungwort by weight; about 0.5% oregano by weight; and about 0.25% algae juice by weight.

50. A vaping mixture for inhalation, comprising: a base; and an active ingredient including at least two ingredients selected from the group: holy basil; saffron; ashwagandaha; licorice; gotu kola; and Saint John's wort.

51. The mixture of claim 50, comprising at least five of the ingredients selected from the group.

52. The mixture of claim 52, wherein said mixture is free of one of gotu kola and Saint John's wort.

53. A composition for use in producing a vaping product, said composition comprising blend of botanicals including at least two botanicals selected from the group: lobelia; coltsfoot; eucalyptus; lungwort; oregano; and algae juice.

54. The composition of claim 53, including at least five of said botanicals from said group.

55. A method for use in producing a vaping product, comprising the steps of: providing at least two botanicals selected from the group consisting of holy basil, saffron, ashwagandaha, licorice, gotu kola, and Saint John's wort; extracting said at least two botanicals to provide each of said botanicals as a liquid; combining said liquids to form a liquid botanical concentrate; and adding said liquid botanical concentrate to a vaping base.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0019] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawing, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a process for producing a vaping product in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention is based in part on the desire to create an improved product that would not flash or ignite at high temperatures found in atomizers of some vape devices. In that regard, an initial objective was to find natural plants, herbs and/or botanicals that could be combined with a vegetal or vegetable glycerin (VGt) to form a substitute for glycols. The botanicals oxygenate the smoking process to reduce throat irritation while remaining non-toxic even at the flash points of the various ingredients. The invention also provides base liquids and additives that are not prone to ignite at temperatures found in atomizers as ignition may lead to free radicals, oxidation, tar, and lacquering, thereby leaving residue and harmful substances in the lungs.

[0022] A replacement for propylene glycol has been developed that is made from natural ingredients that may effectively deliver the desired additive(s). In one implementation, this liquid base is naturally derived from traditional corn-based propanediol which is made by fermenting corn. Although the propanediol is thus made from natural ingredients, it may be laboratory produced for consistency and optimized properties. Laboratory-produced propanediol has been found to provide favorable boiling points, melting points, and densities compared to other propanediols.

[0023] Furthermore, the laboratory-produced propanediol (LPP) mixes well with a laboratory-produced vegetable glycerin resulting in reduced toxicity liquid base that will stay in stable composition with the additives (e.g., botanical elements). There are a variety of vegetal glycerin blends which may be suitable for the present invention. In one embodiment, a vegetal glycerin derived from steam distillation of corn seeds, leaves, or husks is blended with a triglyceride mixture distilled from coconut, soy, and bamboo to yield VGt. Again, although the VGt is thus made from natural ingredients, it may be laboratory produced for consistency and optimized properties, thus yielding a laboratory-produced vegetable glycerin (LPVGt). Suitable propanediol and glycerin products that are not laboratory produced are available in the marketplace. These products include 1.3-Propanediol (e.g., Du Pont? Zemea?) and Vegetable Glycerin USP 99%. Exemplary bases may include about 45-55% LPP and about 45-50% LPVGt as described below.

[0024] In order to combat throat and lung irritation, it may be desirable to use herbal or botanical additives which may soothe and heal the irritated mucous linings of the respiratory system. In this regard, burn tests have been performed on a number of herbal and botanical substances. The tests were monitored for a measure of oxygenation at the boiling point of the liquid base. Those that would not ignite at the boiling point of the liquid base were selected as they may reduce aggravation in the throat and lungs and may even offer antioxidant properties. These additives include humectants, expectorants, and anti-oxidants.

[0025] Volatile oils may be extracted from herbal and botanical substances (botanicals) for use as additives. Various processes may be utilized for extraction including, but not limited to, liquid extraction, steam distillation, centrifugal processing, extrusion, and/or oxygen micronization. The order of processing steps and enhancements to be performed on certain extractions may be altered to affect characteristics of the base. An extraction process may be selected for each particular botanical with the objective of yielding the most pure and desirable result for that particular botanical.

[0026] In this regard, it is noted that different botanical suppliers may provide botanicals in varying degrees of readiness for extraction, which may require a slightly different extraction process. For example, a centrifuge may be used with certain ingredients to eliminate any small particles from the final extraction. In addition, oxygenation and homogenization, in connection with a mesh may be employed to ensure a well-concentrated homogenous blend that will not separate over time. The use of a liquid extraction or a steam extraction is based upon the specific plant, however, for a manufacturing process liquid-liquid extraction could generally be used if consistent botanicals are supplied. Algae typically involves a separate approach. It is used in its whole form and is first dehydrated to concentrate the micro-nutrients. Then they are re-hydrated with purified water and then micronized and oxygenated during the homogenization process to create the extract or juice.

[0027] Additives used in conjunction with a base may include, inter alia, lobelia, coltsfoot, eucalyptus, lungwort, oregano, and algae juice. These botanicals can be tracked from their origins to production to ensure quality and purity. The above-the-ground parts of the lobelia plant (Lobelia inflata) are used, among other things, because they contain chemicals that thin mucous to aid expectoration. The leaves of the coltsfoot plant (Tussilago farfara) are used at least to make medicines that help with lung problems such as bronchitis by reducing swelling and inflammation. The dried leaves and oil of the eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus) are known to loosen coughs and to treat respiratory tract infections and reduce the swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The aerial parts of the lungwort plant (Pulmonaria officinalis) are known to treat breathing conditions and are often used in cough medicines. The leaves of the oregano plant (Origanum vulgare) are known to reduce coughs and spasms, and possess antioxidant properties. Algae, in its many forms, is incorporated as a juice because of its antioxidant and humectant properties. The combination of the listed botanicals creates a comprehensive, 100% natural, vaping base to reduce throat burn by simultaneously soothing and healing the respiratory tract. The botanical matrix provides beneficial moisture to oral tissues, reduces inflammation, and delivers tonic properties and antioxidants to allow a more enjoyable vaping experience. It will be appreciated that the effects noted above for the various additives are provided by way of example and the additives may have additional effects, both known and unknown. These additives and certain of their effects are summarized in the table below.

Botanic Matrix

[0028]

TABLE-US-00001 Common Latin Plant Name Name Parts Extraction Property Use Lobelia Lobelia Above Liquid extraction Expectorant For upper respiratory inflata ground & centrifuge; complaints, and in cough parts micronization medicines to thin mucus to w/oxygen make it easier to expectorate and enable breathing Coltsfoot Tussilago Leaves Steam distillation Antitussive; Reduces pain,swelling, farfara expectorant, and inflammation in the and anti- respiratory tract inflammatory Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Leaves Steam distillation Expectorant Helps to loosen coughs (Cineole) globulus and reduce swelling Lungwort Pulmonaria Aerial Liquid extraction Astringent; Used to treat lung diseases officinalis parts & centrifuge expectorant and isused in cough medicine or to treat breathing conditions Oregano Origanum Leaves Liquid extraction, Expectorant; Used to treat respiratory vulgare centrifuge, and tonic, tract disorders and coughs homogenization antioxidant Algae Brown alga Whole Micronized Antioxidant; Works to detoxify and plant oxygen matrix humectant prevent damage to the body; reduce inflammation and support the immune system

[0029] It will thus be appreciated that different combinations of these additives may be used in differing amounts depending on the effects that are desired. In this regard, the percentages listed herein are for the base of the vaping solution, including the additives but excluding the active ingredients (which will be delivered in amounts sufficient to achieve the desired vaping effect by one or more vaping events). It will be appreciated that the relative amount of LPP/LPVGt mixture may be increased (or not) depending on the number of additives involved and may comprise 91-99% and, more preferably, about 93-97% of the base. The combination of additives that form a botanical matrix may comprise 1-9% and, more preferably, about 3-7% of the base. The best results, in terms of reduced irritation and improved healing of the respiratory tract have been achieved by combinations of multiple additives each having a preventive or healing respiratory effect such as an expectorant, an antitussive, a humectant, an antioxidant, an astringent and/or an anti-inflammatory.

[0030] Thus, various amounts and combinations of these additives may be used. For example, a solution may comprise 1-10% lobelia (more preferably, between about 1-3%), 0.5-5% coltsfoot (more preferably, between about 0.5-2%), 0.5-5% eucalyptus (more preferably, between about 0.5-2%), 0.25-2.5% lungwort (more preferably, between about 0.25-1%), 0.25-2.5% oregano (more preferably, between about 0.25-1%), and 0.1-2.5% algae juice (more preferably, between about 0.1-0.5%). In one embodiment, a solution may comprise about 2% lobelia, 1% coltsfoot, 1% eucalyptus, 0.5% lungwort, 0.5% oregano, and 0.25% algae juice, by weight or by volume.

[0031] Any appropriate means of extraction of the various additives may be utilized. In one implementation, lobelia may comprise a lobeline extrusion processed liquid extraction and a centrifuge and micronization with oxygen; coltsfoot may be extracted with steam distillation; eucalyptus may be extracted from cineole with steam distillation; lungwort may be extruded to extract volatile juice and oil or liquid extraction; oregano may be extruded or extracted by liquid extraction and homogenized, and algae juice may be micronized with oxygen, e.g., to act as a humectant and keep lungs moist. Additionally or alternatively, some ingredients may be encapsulated using standard laboratory processes. Encapsulation may discourage tampering with the formulation or reverse-engineering. Trace elements and minerals may also be employed in the additives to make them clinically relevant to batch compounding.

[0032] In one aspect, the present invention includes the additives and the way they are compounded. All of the ingredients (e.g., liquid base and additives) may be cool-compounded into solution by screwing at a temperature below 180? F., more preferably at a temperature between about 145-160? F., for example, 152? F. It is believed that temperatures above 180? F. may undesirably cook the ingredients.

[0033] Any appropriate production process may be utilized. The following is a description of one implementation of a therapeutic formulation produced by a production process (100), and is provided for exemplary purposes, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 1:

[0034] The illustrated process is initiated by creating a base by mixing (102) 48.7% propanediol (e.g., LPP) and 46% vegetal glycerin (e.g., LPVGt) in a vat with a scraper, and fermenting (104) at 106? F. for approximately three hours or until the mixture loses it milky white appearance (e.g., may become translucent). This mixture induces a fermentation process. The laboratory fermentation process includes the use of yeast in a first phase of the process, and then a bacterial culture in a second phase. At completion, solids are filtered out of the liquid by using a 50-60 micron filtration screen. Accordingly, it may be desirable to monitor and control (106) yeast and bacterial counts to be congruent with lab standards for traditional fermentation. The resulting mixture is then homogenized. Separately, the additives (e.g., botanical and herbal ingredients such as lobelia, coltsfoot, eucalyptus, lungwort, oregano and algae juice) are compounded (107) and combined (108) in a sanitized tank. This blend of ingredients should be pre-measured, compounded, sealed and allowed to set (110) for approximately 12 hours at room temperature. The entire matrix is then run through homogenization (which helps bind oxygen) for 10 minutes.

[0035] The process then proceeds with the following steps:

[0036] The additives are mixed (112) into the base. The finished matrix may be slowly poured from the tank into the base. Light extrusion screwing (114) may be utilized for 5-6 hours or until no separation occurs.

[0037] The matrix is then homogenized (116) for about 10-30 minutes or until fully oxygenized and the solution is fully integrated with no sign of separation.

[0038] The resulting product can then be tested (118) for appropriate safety and efficacy.

[0039] Finally, the product is promptly poured into drums or any appropriate packaging (120) that can be medically sealed.

[0040] A specific example of a base according to the present invention includes the following ingredients:

1. 48.75% bio (corn)-based 1,3-Propanediol or LPP

2. 46.00% Vegetable Glycerin USP 99% or LPVGt

[0041] 3. 02.00% Lobelia inflate (Lobelia) Extract and Centrifuge
4. 01.00% Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot) Steam distillation and Centrifuge
5. 01.00% Eucalyptus globulus/horistes (Eucalyptus) Steam distillation
6. 00.50% Pulmonaria officinalis (Lungwort) Extract, Juice and Volatile oil
7. 00.50% Origanum vulgare (Oregano) Extract, Homogenized
8. 00.25% Viridiplantae chlorophyta (Algae) Algae Juice Micronized and Oxygen Matrix

[0042] The ingredients may be processed as described above to yield a base in accordance with the present invention.

[0043] The resulting solution is believed to be a safe and effective carrier for additional ingredients including active ingredients which may be added alternatively or additionally to the described additives to yield a vape. For example, CBD, THC, marijuana, tobacco, nicotine, guarana/caffeine, dietary supplements, vitamins, and medications or combinations thereof may be employed as active ingredients depending on the desired effect.

[0044] The described formulation may be modulated to generate more or less steam vapor by altering the ratio of LPVGt to LPP. Furthermore, embodiments of the described composition of matter may be flavored.

[0045] In the examples of vapes described below, the base may be, in each case, formulated and processed as described above. However, it will be appreciated that manufacturers may perform research and testing concerning interactions or other combined effects as between the base additives and the additional ingredients used to generate the vape. Accordingly, the bases used for forming the vapes below may include a full set of additives as described above, or at least a subset of such additives, but it is possible that certain vapes may eliminate all of the additives.

[0046] A specific example, a herbal mix is added to the base to produce an energy vape. The herbal mix includes:

1. Holy basilOcimum tenuiflorum
2. SaffronCrocus sativus
3. Ashwagandaha rootWithania somnifera
4. Licorice rootGlycyrrhiza glabra
5. Gotu kola (Brahmi) leafCentella asiatica or,
6. Saint John's wortHypericum perforatum, in an alternate sustained energy version

[0047] In one variation, both a regular energy vape and a sustained energy vape are provided. The botanic matrices of these energy vapes are further described in the tables below:

TPRX Regular Energy Vape Botanic Matrix

[0048]

TABLE-US-00002 Common Latin Plant Name Name Parts Extraction Property Use Holy basil Ocimum Leaves and Steam Adaptogen; Anti-inflammatory tenuiflorum aerial parts distillation antioxidant Saffron Crocus sativus Dried stigmata Steam Anti-depressant Mood elevation distillation Ashwagandaha Withania Root and berry Liquid - liquid Adaptogen Anti-inflammatory; somnifera extraction (Indian ginseng); stress reduction; tonic immune system stimulant Licorice Glycyrrhiza Root Liquid - liquid Adaptogen Anti-inflammatory; glabra extraction stress reduction Gotu kola Centella Leaves; above- Steam Adaptogen Anti-inflammatory asiatica ground parts distillation

TPRX Sustained Energy Vape Botanic Matrix

[0049]

TABLE-US-00003 Common Latin Plant Name Name Parts Extraction Property Use Holy basil Ocimum Leaves and Steam Adaptogen; Anti-inflammatory tenuiflorum aerial parts distillation antioxidant Saffron Crocus sativus Dried stigmata Steam Antidepressant Mood elevation distillation Ashwagandaha Withania Root and berry Liquid - liquid Adaptogen Anti-inflammatory; somnifera extraction (Indian ginseng); stress reduction; tonic immune system stimulant Licorice Glycyrrhiza Root Liquid - liquid Adaptogen Anti-inflammatory; glabra extraction stress reduction Saint John's Hypericum Above-ground Steam Antidepressant Mood regulation wort perforatum parts distillation

[0050] Each ingredient in this formulation is used in substantially equal amounts to provide the total formula, and it is prepared in a manner similar to therapeutic botanical formulation described above, with liquid extraction, and combined as a concentrate that would be poured into the LPP-LPVGt base on top of the therapeutic botanical matrix discussed above. Any additional ingredients such as THC, CBD, nicotine or a flavoring would be added and lightly mixed during the original 5-6 hours, and again homogenized until full oxygenized. Again, potential interactions and other combinative effects may be considered in relation to the base additives and vape ingredients, or any other combination of components. In particular, some researchers have noted potential concerns or interactions related to gotu kola and Saint John's wort. Thus, it is anticipated that these may be eliminated from the formulations noted above or other ingredients may be added or substituted.

[0051] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the disclosure. Furthermore, certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0052] The above described embodiments including the preferred embodiment and the best mode of the invention known at the time of filing are given by illustrative examples only.