CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH Not applicable
BACKGROUND E-cigarettes, and e-cigarette liquid are very popular alternatives to utilizing cigarettes and other tobacco products. The present invention, and inventive system, is a new and novel electronic cigarette liquid used in conjunction with electronic cigarettes. The present invention can be used to enhance effects for relaxation, euphoric, medicinal, recreational, or alternative purposes desired by a consumer. Such uses are new, and novel, benefit not offered by other products on the market. The present invention provides the following benefits to other e-liquids on the market place by using extracts, in a new and novel way. The extracts come from select herbal plants and extracts used in Native American and Eastern cultures along with chemical procedures to give a relaxant, euphoric, and/or medicinal effect to the user unlike any previous e-cigarette liquid, and the present invention utilizes non-regulated substances. The present invention is designed to give an e-liquid user a mood altering or enhancing effect in a safe and legal fashion.
In the prior art, there are e-cigarette liquid patents and applications that address e-liquid compositions (i.e., they refer to a composition of a mixture), however the present invention has a composition of a mixture that is unique from any of the prior art patents. By way of example, the patent application US 2013/0008457 to Zheng, et al, published Jan. 10, 2013 (“Zheng”), addresses a preparation method of e-cigarette liquid. However the present invention's composition scope covers a specific ingredient list that is distinct unique from Zheng's patent application, and also provides an effect distinctive of Zheng. Zheng's patent focuses on making e-cigarette liquid similar, in terms of aroma and taste, to actual cigarettes (a completely distinct and different purpose from the present patent filing). Zheng does this by using a chocolate extractive and tobacco (completely different ingredients from this patent filing). Zheng, et al, focuses on tobacco derivatives, whereas the present invention focuses on herbal and chemical infusions. Zheng does not disclose or contemplate the utilization of any of the additives found in the present invention.
Patent application CN102028306 B, published Jun. 27, 2012, refers to an application that calls for a mixture of ingredients into an e-cigarette blend that has a throat-rejuvenating effect using a combination of watermelon frost, peppermint oil, menthol, blumea aromatria, eucalyptus oil, and star anise oil. The aforementioned patent application is focused on addressing a specific condition (throat nourishment) using a specific ingredient list, whereas the present invention covers general recreational, relaxation, and general medicinal purposes using an ingredient list that is distinct and unique from the ingredients covered in that patent. The patent application CN 1994159 A published on Jun. 11, 2007, references a combination of ingredients into an electronic atomized cigarette that serves as a kidney-strengthening function. That prior patent application is focused on addressing a specific purpose (kidney strengthening), a unique and different purpose as compared to the present invention. In addition, the aforementioned patent covers ingredients that are distinct and different from our ingredients (their ingredient list is more flavor and food-based whereas the present invention focuses on enhancement features). The patent application CN 101926505 A published Dec. 29, 2010, discloses a combination of ingredients for an electronic cigarette liquid using caffeine (to produce a more alert/aware effect, similar to coffee). That patent application covers a caffeine-containing substance (guarana) in the e-liquid for the purpose of making the user more alert and aware, whereas “this” or “the present” patent covers ingredients that are distinct and different from that patent's unique ingredient along with a more general recreational, relaxation, and medicinal purpose. That previous patent application, again fails to disclose or contemplate the unique ingredient list that found in the present invention.
None of the prior art patents or applications, utilize or suggest the detailed breakout of ingredients and processes found in at least one embodiment of the present invention which comprises a combination of the following: (1) vaporizing base (either propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or combination of the two—and this is found in every e-cigarette liquid blend) mixed with (2) a herbal powder extract generally at a 0.001-2.0 g per 1 mL ratio. Other ratios can be utilized though. The herbal extract can be any of the following used individually, or in combination; Karma (sceletium tortuosum), Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), Salvia (Salvia divinorum), Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Celandine poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), Mugwort (Artemisia), Coltsfoot leaf (Tussilago farfara), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Sinicuichi (Heimia salicifolia), St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Yerba lenna yesca (Artemisia scoparia), Calea zacatechichi (Calea ternifolia), Leonurus sibericus (Leonurus sibiricus), Wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus), Klip dagga (Leonotis nepetifolia), Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Kava (Piper methysticum), Scotch broom tops (Cytisus scoparius), Valarien (Valeriana officinalis), Indian warrior (Pedicularis densiflora), Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Red Clover (Trifolium pretense). The combinations of these materials is new, novel and has never been done in use with an e-liquid application.
SUMMARY In one embodiment of the present invention, a herbal additive (distinct component) is presented in a 0.001 g per 1 mL ratio (7.5%)—2.0 g per 1 mL ratio with a vaporizing base. In one embodiment of the present invention there is a fluid mixture, preferably, vegetable glycerin and/or propylene glycol mixture (common vaporizing solution) in a ratio of roughly 92% in relation to other components. In one embodiment of the present invention the fluid flavoring of the e-liquid mixture comprises roughly 0.5%.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the procedure for making the composition is as follows. The herbal additive (and flavor additive) is mixed with vegetable glycerin and/or propylene glycol solution. In several embodiments of the present invention the mixing can be done at room temperature, heated or cooled in a preferable range of −50 to 150° F. In several embodiments of the present invention the blending can be done by using simple mixing, using an industrial blender, or other liquid mixing methods as are used in the art. In many embodiments of the present invention, the delivery systems for the present invention includes: electronic vaporizing, electronic cigarette, personal vaporizer, or other vaporizing methods known in the art.
In one embodiment, the present invention is an electronic cigarette liquid comprising a vaporizing base mixed with a herbal powder extract. In several embodiments, the vaporizing base is a propylene glycol. In several embodiments the vaporizing base is a vegetable glycerin. In several embodiments, said vaporizing base is mixed with said herbal powder extract at a 0.001-2.0 g per 1 mL ratio. In several embodiments of the present invention, the herbal extract may include members selected from the group of materials consisting of Kanna (sceletium tortuosum), Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), Salvia (Salvia divinorum), Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Celandine poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), Mugwort (Artemisia), Coltsfoot leaf (Tussilago farfara), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Sinicuichi (Heimia salicifolia), St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Yerba lenna yesca (Artemisia scoparia), Calea zacatechichi (Calea ternifolia), Leonurus sibericus (Leonurus sibiricus), Wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus), Klip dagga (Leonotis nepetifolia), Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Kava (Piper methysticum), Scotch broom tops (Cytisus scoparius), Valarien (Valeriana officinalis), Indian warrior (Pedicularis densiflora), Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Red Clover (Trifolium pretense), and/or combinations thereof.
In several embodiments of the present invention, the present invention comprises, a method for creating an electronic cigarette liquid comprising the steps of mixing a herbal additive with a vaporizing base wherein said base is comprised of vegetable glycerin and/or propylene glycol solution. In several embodiments of the present invention the method of further comprises the step of mixing said herbal additive and said vaporizing base at a temperature between −50 to 150° F. In several embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises the steps of forming the herbal additive from a group that may include members selected from the group of materials consisting of Kanna (sceletium tortuosum), Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), Salvia (Salvia divinorum), Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Celandine poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), Mugwort (Artemisia), Coltsfoot leaf (Tussilago farfara), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Sinicuichi (Heimia salicifolia), St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Yerba lenna yesca (Artemisia scoparia), Calea zacatechichi (Calea ternifolia), Leonurus sibericus (Leonurus sibiricus), Wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus), Klip dagga (Leonotis nepetifolia), Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Kava (Piper methysticum), Scotch broom tops (Cytisus scoparius), Valarien (Valeriana officinalis), Indian warrior (Pedicularis densiflora), Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Red Clover (Trifolium pretense), and/or combinations thereof.
Several examples of successful mixtures of the present invention include “Mixture A” (which contains Wild Lettuce, Wild Dagga, Indian Warrior, Kava, Valerian, and Kratom) that has a relaxing and headache/pain-diminishing effect caused by the alkaloids in these herbs that is distinct and unique in terms of ingredients and purpose compared to other e-liquid patents; “Mixture B” (which contains Wild Lettuce, Kratom, Skullcap, Kanna, Sinicuichi, Klip Dagga Leaf, and Blue Lotus) that causes a sedated feeling with relaxation and assists in sleeping; and “Mixture C” (which contains Leonurus sibericus, California poppy, Yerba lenna yesca, Calea zacatechichi, hernia salicifolia, Damiana, and Celandine poppy) that causes a euphoric feeling with alertness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific embodiments of the disclosure, wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a chart of the various plants from which the herbal additives of the present invention are derived.
FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart for creating one embodiment of the present invention for Mixture A.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart for creating one embodiment of the present invention for Mixture B.
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for creating one embodiment of the present invention for Mixture C.
FIG. 5 illustrates a testing chart for the components of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description, certain details are set forth such as specific quantities, sizes, etc., so as to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such specific details. In many cases, details concerning such considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.
Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting thereto. Drawings are not necessarily to scale.
While most of the terms used herein will be recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood, however, that when not explicitly defined, terms should be interpreted as adopting a meaning presently accepted by those of ordinary skill in the art. In cases where the construction of a term would render it meaningless or essentially meaningless, the definition should be taken from Webster's Dictionary, 11th Edition, 2008. Definitions and/or interpretations should not be incorporated from other patent applications, patents, or publications, related or not, unless specifically stated in this specification or if the incorporation is necessary for maintaining validity. “Herbal Additive” or “Herbal Extract” in the present application means a material selected from one or more of the following group individually, or in combination; Kanna (sceletium tortuosum), Blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), Salvia (Salvia divinorum), Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), Celandine poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), Mugwort (Artemisia), Coltsfoot leaf (Tussilago farfara), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Sinicuichi (Heimia salicifolia), St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Yerba lenna yesca (Artemisia scoparia), Calea zacatechichi (Calea ternifolia), Leonurus sibericus (Leonurus sibiricus), Wild dagga (Leonotis leonurus), Klip dagga (Leonotis nepetifolia), Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Kava (Piper methysticum), Scotch broom tops (Cytisus scoparius), Valarien (Valeriana officinalis), Indian warrior (Pedicularis densiflora), Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Red Clover (Trifolium pretense),
One or more illustrative embodiments incorporating the invention disclosed herein are presented below. Applicants have created a revolutionary and novel composition of e-liquids for electronic cigarettes and the like.
FIG. 1 illustrates a chart 100 of the various plants from which components utilized in several embodiments of the herbal compositions of the present invention are derived. The compositions of the present invention may include (in a variety of forms including tinctures; water, alcohol, or other liquid based forms that the herbal extract may be soluble in, including but not limited to propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin) extract powder in capsule, powder, or other form; as well as powdered plant material. In many embodiments of the present invention, the present invention may contain Kanna, also known as sceletium tortuosum 1. In many embodiments of the present invention, Mesembrine is an alkaloid present in the material Sceletium tortuosum 1, also referred to herein as “Kanna”. In many clinical applications, it has been shown that Kanna 1 acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (Ki=1.4 nM).1 More recently, Kanna 1 has also been found to behave as a weak inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) (Ki=7,800 nM).2 As such, Mesembrine may contribute to the antidepressant effects of Kanna3 1. The levorotary isomer, (−) mesembrine, is the natural form found in Kanna4 1, This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid, including but not limited to mood-elevation. It also has anxiolytic properties. 1 Harvey, A. L.; Young, L. C.; Viljoen, A. M.; Gericke, N. P. (2011). “Pharmacological Actions of the South African Medicinal and Functional Food Plant Sceletium tortuosum and its Principal Alkaloids”. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 137 (3): 1124-1129.2 Id.3 Stafford, G. I.; Pedersen, M. E.; van Staden, J.; Jager, A. K. (October 2008). “Review on plants with CNS-effects used in traditional South African medicine against mental diseases”. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 119 (3): 513-537.4 Coggon, P.; Farrier, D. S.; Jeffs, P. W.; McPhail, A. T. (1970). “Absolute configuration of mesembrine and related alkaloids: X-ray analysis of 6-epimesembranol methiodide.” J. Chem. Soc. B: 1267-1271.
FIG. 1 illustrates one additive of an embodiment of the present invention which is Blue Lotus 2 (Nymphaea caerulea). The Blue Lotus 2 herb contains the alkaloids nuciferine and aporphine, which have a mildly sedating effect. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including a relaxant effect.
Also shown in FIG. 1 is the component Salvia (Salvia divinorum) 3. The known active constituent of Salvia divinorum 3 is a trans-neoclerodane diterpenoid known as salvinorin A (chemical formula C23H28O8). This compound is present in the dried plant Salvia, at about 0.18% by volume5. Salvinorin A is not an alkaloid, (meaning it does not contain a basic nitrogen in its composition)6. In many natural applications, Salvia divinorum 3 synthesizes and excretes its active constituent (salvinorin A) via trichomes, of the peltate-glandular morphology, located just beneath the cuticle (subcuticular) layer of the plant7. Salvinorin A is considered a dissociative, which has a long history of use as an entheogen by indigenous Mazatec cultures8 (Valdés, 287). This material can provide a dissociative effect and pain-relief to the user of the present inventive e-liquid9. 5 Ott, Jonathan (1995). “Ethnopharmacognosy and Human Pharmacology of Salvia divinorum and Salvinorin A”. Curare 18 (1): 103-129. Retrieved 2007 Aug. 16.6 Giroud, C.; Felber F.; Augsburger M. (2000). “Salvia divinorum: an hallucinogenic mint which might become a new recreational drug in Switzerland”. Forensic Science International 112 (2): 143-150. doi:10.1016/S0379-0738(00)00180-8. PMID 10940599.7 Siebert, Daniel (2004). “Localization of Salvinorin A and Related Compounds in Glandular Trichomes of the Psychoactive Sage, Salvia divinorum”. Annals of Botany (Oxford University Press) 93 (6): 763-71.8 Valdés, Leander J. III; Diaz, José Luis; Paul, Ara G. (May 1983). “Ethnopharmacology of ska Maria Pastora (Salvia divinorum, Epling and Játiva-M)”. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 7 (3): 287-312.9 MacLean, Katherine; Johnson, Matthew; Reissig, Chad; Prisinzano, Thomas; Griffiths, Roland (8 Nov. 2012). “Dose-related Effects of Salvinorin A in Humans: Dissociative, Hallucinogenic, and Memory Effects”. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved 4 Sep. 2014.
As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is Wild Dagga (Leonotis leonurus) 15. Leonotis leonurus 15, also known as lion's tail and wild dagga, is a plant species in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The plant is a broadleaf evergreen large shrub native to South Africa and southern Africa, where it is very common. The main active component of Leonotis leonurus 15 is leonurine. This material can possess antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties while providing the user with mild euphoria and sedation10. As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) 5. There are more than 40 compounds in Mitragyna speciosa leaves, including many alkaloids such as mitragynine, mitraphylline, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. Other active chemicals in M. speciosa include raubasine and some yohimbe alkaloids such as corynantheidine. Mitragyna speciosa 5 also contains at least one alkaloid (rhynchophylline) that is a calcium channel blocker, and reduces NMDA-induced current11. One analysis of products marketed as kratom leaf found, using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), mitragynine at levels of 1-6% and 7-hydroxymirtrogynine at levels of 0.01-0.04%12. These compounds are thought to contribute to Mitragyna speciosa's 5 effects, including its use as an antidiarrheal as well as managing chronic pain13. The chemical structure of mitragynines incorporate the nucleus of the tryptamine, and the mitragynines may be responsible for the molecules which are observed in the serotonin and adrenergic systems. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid through its antidiarrheal and pain relief effects. 10 Ojewole J A (May 2005). “Antinociceptive, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic effects of Leonotis leonurus (L.) R. BR. [Lamiaceae] leaf aqueous extract in mice and rats”. Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology 27 (4): 257-64.11 Hendrickson, James B.; Sims, James J. (1963). “Mitragyna alkaloids: The structure of stipulatine”. Tetrahedron Letters 4 (14): 929.12 Kikura-Hanajiri, Ruri; Kawamura, Maiko; Maruyama, Takuro; Kitajima, Mariko; Takayama, Hiromitsu; Goda, Yukihiro (1 Jul. 2009). “Simultaneous analysis of mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and other alkaloids in the psychotropic plant “kratom” (Mitragyna speciosa) by LC-ESI-MS”. Forensic Toxicology 27 (2): 67-74.13 Jansen, Karl L. R.; Colin J. Prast (1988 Jan. 4). “Ethnopharmacology of Kratom and the Mitragyna Alkaloids”. Journal of Ethnophamacology 23 (1): 115-119.
As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum) 6, the common name is derived from greater celandine (Chelidonium majus), a closely related European plant with similarly shaped leaves and similarly colored and shaped flowers. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid through its flavor and taste. As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention which is Mugwort (Artemisia) 7. Mugworts 7 are used medicinally, especially in Chinese, Japanese and Korean traditional medicine, and are used as an herb to flavor food. In Korea, Mugworts 7 were also used for plain, non-medicinal consumption; in South Korea, Mugworts 7, called Ssuk, are still used as a staple ingredient in many dishes including rice cakes and soup. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid by adding flavor and stimulation of circulation through pressure points in the body of a user. As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago farfara) 8. Tussilago farfara 8 contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid by providing alleviation for the respiratory tract as well as alleviation for general infections and colds14. 14 Sylvia Vogl, Paolo Picker, Judit Mihaly-Bison, Nanang Fakhrudin, Atanas G. Atanasov, Elke H. Heiss, Christoph Wawrosch, Gottfried Reznicek, Verena M. Dirsch, Johannes Saukel & Brigitte Koppa (2013). “Ethnopharmacological in vitro studies on Austria's folk medicine—an unexplored lore in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of 71 Austrian traditional herbal drugs”. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 149 (3): 750-771.
As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) 9. California poppy 9 leaves were used medicinally by Native Americans, and the pollen was used cosmetically. The seeds are used in cooking15. California Poppy 9 contains the alkaloid Californidine (which is thought to be the primary constituent responsible for the effects of California Poppy 9)16. An aqueous extract of the plant has sedative and anxiolytic action17. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including feelings of sedation and anxiety relief. Also shown in FIG. 1 is Sinicuichi (Heimia salicifolia) 10. Some isolated alkaloids found in Sinicuichi include Vertine, also known as cryogenine; it is regarded as the primary active component. Clinically demonstrated effects of Vertine include anticholinergic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hyperglycemic, hypotensive, sedative, tranquilizer, and vasodilator activity. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including feelings of sedation. 15 California poppy, golden poppy, copa de oro”. Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. Retrieved Apr. 9, 2012 16 Parfeinikov, S. A.; Murav'eva, D. A. (1983). “Eschscholzia californica alkaloids”. Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii (2): 242-243.17 Rolland, A.; Fleurentin, J.; Lanhers, M. C.; Younos, C.; Misslin, R.; Mortier, F.; Mortier, J. M. (June 1991). “Behavioural Effects of the American Traditional Plant Eschscholzia Californica: Sedative and Anxiolytic Properties”. Planta Medica 57 (3): 212-216.
As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) 11 abbreviated herein as “SJW”. Hyperforin and adhyperforin, two phloroglucinol constituents of SJW 11, are TRPC6 receptor agonists and, consequently, they induce noncompetitive reuptake inhibition of monoamines (specifically, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin), GABA, and glutamate when they activate this receptor in the brain. Hyperforin and adhyperforin inhibit reuptake of these neurotransmitters by increasing intracellular sodium ion concentrations. Moreover, SJW 11 is known to downregulate the β1 adrenoceptor and upregulate postsynaptic 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, both of which are a type of serotonin receptor. Other compounds may also play a role in SJW's 11 effects, such compounds include: oligomeric procyanidines, flavonoids (quercetin), hypericin, and pseudohypericin18. Hyperforin (the active ingredient) is also a powerful anti-inflammatory compound with anti-angiogenic, antibiotic, and neurotrophic properties19 SJW can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including anti-inflammatory and anti-depressive effects. 18 Nathan, P J (March 2001). “Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort): a non-selective reuptake inhibitor? A review of the recent advances in its pharmacology”. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) 15 (1): 47-54.19 “Biomedical Effects and Toxicity”. “Hyperforin”. Pubchem Compound. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is Yerba Lenna Yesca (Artemisia scoparia) 12. The chemical constituents of Yerba Lenna Yesca 12 may include: Capillarisin, Chlorogenic acid butyl ester; 6,7-Dimethylesculetin; Isosabandin; Magnolioside (isoscopoletin-13-D-glucopyranoside); 7-Methoxycoumarin; 7-Methylesculetin; Sabandin A; Sabandin B; Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin); Scopoletin; β-Sitosterol20. Artemisia scoparia 12 is an important traditional Chinese medicine. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including its sedative effects. Also shown in FIG. 1 is Calea Zacatechichi (Calea ternifolia) 13. Chemical compounds isolated from this species may include flavones such as acacetin; and, sesquiterpene lactones such as germacranolides21. The sesquiterpenes known as caleicines and caleochromenes may be active in its effects on sleep. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including its sleep remedy properties. Also shown in FIG. 1 is Leonurus sibiricus Flowers 14. Alkaloids isolated from Leonurus sibiricus include: Cycloleonurinine; Leoheterin; Leonurine; Leonurinine; Leuronurine; Prehispanolone; Preleoheterin; Stachydrine (“Leonurus sibiricus”). This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including relaxing effects. 20 Ali M S, Jahangir M, Saleem M (January 2003). “Structural distinction between sabandins A and B from Artemisia scoparia waldst. (Asteraceae)”. Nat. Prod. Res. 17 (1): 1-4.21 Lee, I. Y., et al. (1982). New germacranolides from Calea ternifolia and the molecular structure of 9α-Hydroxy-11, 13-Dihydro-11α, 13-Epoxyatripliciolide-8β-O-(2-Methylacrylate). Journal of Natural Products 45(3), 311-16.
As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is Klip Dagga (Leonotis nepetifolia or L. nepetifolia) 16. L. nepetifolia (Klip Dagga) 16 is related to L. leonurus 15 (wild dagga or lion's tail.) L. nepetifolia's leaves are brewed as tea for fevers and coughs in Trinidad22. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including a relaxing and anti-bacterial affect. Also shown in FIG. 1 is Damiana (Turnera diffusa) 17. Damiana 17 contains damianin; tetraphyllin B; gonzalitosin I; arbutin; tricosan-2-one; acacetin; p-cymene; β-sitosterol; 1,8-cineole; apigenin; α-pinene; β-carotene; β-pinene; eucalyptol; tannins; thymol; and hexacosanol.23 Damiana's 17 anxiolytic properties might be due to apigenin. It has also been shown that Damiana 17 may function as an aromatase inhibitor, which has been suggested as a possible method of action for its reputed effects.24 The chemical compound has long been claimed to have a stimulating effect on libido, supported by studies on sexual stimulation in mice25. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including an increase in libido and relaxation. 22 Mendes, John. 1986. Cote ce Cote la: Trinidad & Tobago Dictionary, Arima, Trinidad, p. 135.23 Pharmacological evaluation of Bioactive Principle of Tumera aphrodisiaca, Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2008,24 Zhao, J., Dasmahapatra, A. K., Khan, S. I., & Khan, I. A. (December 2008), Anti-aromatase activity of the constituents from damiana (Turnera diffusa), Journal of Ethnopharmacology 120: 387-393.25 Arletti, R., Benelli, A., Cavazzuti, E., Scarpetta, G., & Bertolini, A. (September 1998), Stimulating property of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata extracts on the sexual behavior of male rats, Psychopharmacology 143: 15-19.
As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is Kava (Piper methysticum) 18. Kava's 18 active principal ingredients are the kavalactones. Research has suggested that kavalactones potentiate GABAA activity, but do not alter levels of dopamine and serotonin in the CNS26. It is thought to do this via modulating GABA activity by altering the lipid membrane structure and sodium channel function27. Desmethoxyyangonin, one of the six major kavalactones, is a reversible MAO-B inhibitor (Ki 280 nM) and is able to increase dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. These findings might correspond to the slightly euphoric action of kava28 18. Kavain, in both enantiomeric forms, inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine at the transporter (NAT), but not of serotonin (SERT)29. An elevated extracellular norepinephrine level in the brain may account for the reported enhancement of attention and focus. This material can provide to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including a euphoric effect with sedative properties in addition to increasing mental acuity. 26 Hunter, A (2006). “Kava (Piper methysticum) back in circulation”. Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine 2527 Teschke, Rolf; Qiu S X; Lebot V (2011). “Herbal hepatotoxicity by kava: Update on pipermethystine, flavokavain B and mould hepatotoxins as primarily assumed culprits”. Digestive and Liver Disease 43 (9): 676-681.28 Baum S S, Hill R, Rommelspacher H (October 1998). “Effect of kava extract and individual kavapyrones on neurotransmitter levels in the nucleus accumbens of rats”. Prog. Neuropsychopharmacol. Biol. Psychiatry 22.29 Seitz U, Schüle A, Gleitz J (December 1997). “[3H]-monoamine uptake inhibition properties of kava pyrones”. Planta Med. 63 (6): 548-9.
As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) 19. The characteristic constituents of Scotch broom 19 are biogenic amines (mostly tyramine in the young shoots), flavonoids (spiraeoside and scoparoside), isoflavones and their glycosides (genistin), as well as allelopathic quinolizidine alkaloids (mostly sparteine, lupanine, scoparin and hydroxy-derivatives), which defend the plant against insect infestation and herbivory (with the exception of the resistant Aphis cytisorum)30. This material adds flavoring and increased yellow color in the inventive e-liquid. Also shown in FIG. 1 is Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) 20. The known compounds detected in Valerian 20 that may contribute to its method of action are: Alkaloids: actinidine, chatinine, shyanthine, valerianine, and valerine. Isovaleramide may be created in the extraction process; Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA); Isovaleric acid; Iridoids, including valepotriates: isovaltrate and valtrate.; Sesquiterpenes (contained in the Volatile oil): valerenic acid, hydroxyvalerenic acid and acetoxyvalerenic acid; and Flavanones: hesperidin, 6-methylapigenin and linarin31. Combined, these compounds are thought to provide the sedative and anxiolytic effects of the plant. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including anti-anxiety and sedative effects. Also shown in FIG. 1 is Indian Warrior (Pedicularis densiflora) 21. In many applications, Indian warrior 21 is used as a tea or tincture to promote healthy immune function and its ability to relax tense muscles. The buds and flowers of Indian Warrior 21 are often added to tea blends for their color, flavor, and relaxing properties. It is also found to be useful in the treatment of insomnia, as well as having antioxidant properties. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including anti-anxiety and muscle relaxant effects. 30 Isamu Murakoshi, Yoshiaki Yamashita, Shigeru Ohmiya & Hirotaka Otomasu (1986). “(−)-3β-13α-dihydroxylupanine from Cytisus scoparius”. Phytochemistry 25 (2): 521-524.31 Fereidoon Shahidi and Marian Naczk, Phenolics in food and nutraceuticals (Boca Raton, Fla., USA: CRC Press, 2004), pp. 313-314.
As shown in FIG. 1, one additive of the present invention is Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora or S. lateriflora) 24. The principal phenolics in the leaves, stems, and roots of some Scutellaria species are baicalin, baicalein and wogonin. Baicalin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in a rat model of thermal hyperalgesia32. A number of the flavones found in S. lateriflora 24 have been reported to selectively bind with high affinity to central benzodiazepine receptor sites, leading to the conclusion that the flavones exert anxiolytic and other benzodiazepine effects in rats33. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including anti-anxiety effects. Also shown in FIG. 1 is Lactuca virosa 22. Lactuce virosa contains flavonoids, coumarins, and N-methyl-β-phenethylamine. A variety of other chemical compounds have been isolated from Lactuce virosa 22. One of the compounds, lactucin, is an adenosine receptor agonist in vitro; while another, lactucopicrin, has been shown to act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in vitro34. This material can provide the user of the present inventive e-liquid sedative effect benefits. Also shown in FIG. 1 is Red Clover (Trifolium pretense) 25. Trifolium pretense 25 is used in traditional medicine of India as deobstruent, antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antidermatosis agent35. This material can provide benefits to the user of the present inventive e-liquid including sedative effects. 32 Nishikawa, K., et al. (1999). Phenolics in tissue cultures of Scutellaria. Natural Medicines 53(4), 209-13.33 Medina, J. H., et al. (1997). Overview—Flavonoids: A new family of benzodiazepine receptor ligands. Neurochemical Research 22(4), 419-25.34 Rollinger, J M; Mocka, P; Zidorn, C; Ellmerer, E P; Langer, T; Stuppner, H (2005). “Application of the in combo screening approach for the discovery of non-alkaloid acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Cichorium intybus”. Current drug discovery technologies 2 (3): 185-93.35 Wang L, Waltenberger B, Pferschy-Wenzig E M, Blunder M, Liu X, Malainer C, Blazevic T, Schwaiger S, Rollinger J M, Heiss E H, Schuster D, Kopp B, Bauer R, Stuppner H, Dirsch V M, Atanasov A G. Natural product agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ): a review. Biochem Pharmacol. 2014 Jul. 29.
As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in one embodiment of the present invention, a herbal additive (distinct component) is presented in a 0.075 g per 1 mL ratio (7.5%) to the vaporizing liquid. In one embodiment of the present invention there is a fluid mixture, preferably, vegetable glycerin and/or propylene glycol mixture (common vaporizing solution) in a ratio of roughly 92%. In one embodiment of the present invention the fluid flavoring comprises 0.5% of the gross volume of e-liquid.
In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2-4, the procedure for making the composition is as follows. Herbal additive is mixed with vegetable glycerin and/or propylene glycol solution. In several embodiments of the present invention the mixing can be done at room temperature, heated or cooled in the ranges of −50 to 150° F. In several embodiments of the present invention the blending can be done by using simple mixing up to using an industrial blender as is used in the art. In many embodiments of the delivery systems for the present invention includes: electronic vaporizing, electronic cigarette, personal vaporizer, or other vaporizing methods known in the art. Certain examples of successful mixtures include, but are not limited to, mixture A 200 (which contains Wild Lettuce 22, Wild Dagga 15, Indian Warrior 21, Kava 18, Valerian 20, and Kratom 5) that has a relaxing and headache/pain-diminishing effect caused by the alkaloids in these herbs that is distinct and unique in terms of ingredients and purpose compared to other e-liquid patents. Mixture B 300 (FIG. 3) (which contains Wild Lettuce 22, Kratom 5, Skullcap 24, Kanna 18, Sinicuichi 10, Klip Dagga Leaf 16, and Blue Lotus 2) that causes a sedated feeling with relaxation and assists in sleeping. Mixture C 400 (FIG. 4) (which contains Leonurus sibericus 14, California Poppy 9, Yerba lenna yesca 12, Calea zacatechichi 13, hernia salicifolia 10, Damiana 17, and Celandine poppy 6) that causes a euphoric feeling with alertness. Although different mixtures using the Herb Additives as the base ‘active compounds are envisioned by the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, Mixture A 200, a compound is created from a mixture of extracts from different herbs and components. These herbal extracts can come in various forms including a powdered form, crushed leaf form, as well as liquid form (tincture formed from herbs in a water or alcohol base). In one embodiment, the product consists of different mixtures of herbal extracts to form different Herbal Additives. In Mixture A 200, the compound 210 consists of 25% Wild Lettuce 22, 25% Wild Dagga, 20% Indian Warrior 21, 10% Kava 18, 10% Valerian 20, and 10% Kratom 5. Percentage composition is by weight in many embodiments, but can be in portions of volume or other measurements. The herbal additive is blended with a vaporizing solution. The vaporizing solution generally consists of a 50/50 blend of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol (however the vaporizing solution can be any ratio of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol). The herbal additive is then added to the vaporizing solution at a ratio of 0.075 g to 1 mL (although this ratio can vary from 0.001 to 2.0 g). The solution (consisting of the Herbal Additive and vaporizing solution) is blended using an industrial blender, or any other blending mechanism suitable in the art for e-liquids. The blending is typical done at slightly warmer than room temperature, but the blending can occur in temperatures between −50-150° F. 220. This blend is strained over a type of filter to collect the powder residue filters known in the art, other filters such as coffee filters can be used. The resulting powder-less solution is the final blend of Mixture A 200, which is put into a container for sales to an end user. The final blend is preferably consumed using vapor products (electronic cigarette, electronic vape pen, any device that vaporizes liquid into a smokeable vapor for the user) 230.
As shown in FIG. 3, in Mixture B 300, the compound 310 consists of 20% Wild Lettuce, 20% Kratom 5, 15% Skullcap 24, 15% Kanna 18, 10% Sinicuichi 10, 10% Klip Dagga Leaf 16, and 10% Blue Lotus 2. The herbal additive is blended with a vaporizing solution. The vaporizing solution generally consists of a 50/50 blend of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol (however the vaporizing solution can be any ratio of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol). The herbal additive is then added to the vaporizing solution at a ratio of 0.075 g to 1 mL (although this ratio can vary from 0.001 to 2.0 g). The solution (consisting of the Herbal Additive and vaporizing solution) is blended using an industrial blender, or any other blending mechanism suitable in the art for e-liquids. The blending is typically done at slightly warmer than room temperature, but the blending can occur in temperatures between −50-150° F. 320. This blend is strained over a type of filter to collect the powder residue filters known in the art, filters such as coffee filters can be used. The resulting powder-less solution is the final blend of Mixture B, which is put into a container for sales to an end user. The final blend is preferably consumed using vapor products (electronic cigarette, electronic vape pen, any device that vaporizes liquid into a smokeable vapor for the user) 330.
As shown in FIG. 4, in Mixture C 400, the compound 410 consists of 20% Leonurus sibericus 14, 20% California Poppy 9, 20% Yerba lenna yesca 12, 20% Calea zacatechichi 13, 10% Damiana 17, and 10% Celandine Poppy 6. The herbal additive is blended with a vaporizing solution. The vaporizing solution generally consists of a 50/50 blend of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol (however the vaporizing solution can be any ratio of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol). The herbal additive is then added to the vaporizing solution at a ratio of 0.075 g to 1 mL (although this ratio can vary from 0.001 to 2.0 g). The solution (consisting of the Herbal Additive and vaporizing solution) is blended using an industrial blender, or any other blending mechanism suitable in the art for e-liquids. The blending is typically done at slightly warmer than room temperature, but the blending can occur in temperatures between −50-150° F. 420. This blend is strained over a type of filter to collect the powder residue filters known in the art, other filters such as coffee filters can be used. The resulting powder-less solution is the final blend of Mixture C, which is put into a container for sales to an end user. The final blend is preferably consumed using vapor products (electronic cigarette, electronic vape pen, any device that vaporizes liquid into a smokeable vapor for the user) 430.
As shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the e-liquid is tested in laboratory conditions, it does not contain, or emit any substances that are controlled, or banned under current Federal and/or state regulations concerning such substances 500.
Although several preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the invention is not limited hereto. It will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without materially departing from the novel and advantageous teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of example. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited thereby.
