Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates generally to a herbal composition, and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a herbal composition for beverage preparation and a process for preparing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Dysmenorrhea is a condition wherein women of reproductive age experience painful cramps during menstruation. Menorrhagia is a condition of the female reproductive system characterised by heavy bleeding including prolonged menstrual periods or excessive bleeding during a normal-length period. Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cyclic disorder defined as recurrent mental symptoms, including emotionally lability, depressed mood, aggression and irritability occurring within the luteal phase of the menstruation cycle and physiological symptoms including nausea and bloating. Together described as ‘menstrual discomfort’, these conditions constitute the most prevalent reproductive health condition experienced by menstruating women globally.

[003] Pain relief for period discomfort usually starts with over-the-counter medications, mainly painkillers like NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. These drugs can be grouped based on their effects on the Cyclooxygenase enzyme, which they inhibit. They include non-selective types and selective ones for COX-1 or COX-2. Even the most targeted NSAIDs, such as Mefenamic Acid, Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Celecoxib, and Valdecoxib, can cause unwanted side effects. These side effects may include stomach issues, kidney damage, and a higher risk of heart problems.

[004] Most over-the-counter (OTC) products are made from plants. They come in a few different forms, like synthetic pills or capsules or as infusions and tea bags that include tea and plants.

There are several challenges with such OTC products. It includes not enough dosage for quick relief, relying on a single treatment, and the use of extracts and synthetic ingredients. More particularly, the infusions in the market today do not offer acute efficacy, due to which they are not a real option. The drawbacks associated with the conventional infusion include (a) The format designed, originally, for tea in a 150-200 ml cup – typically for recreational use. The industry has expanded horizontally to integrate ‘herbal tisanes’ – which warrants to be a different industry owing to differences in formulation. (b) Supply chains being optimized for a 1.5-2.4 gm dosage with tea as the primary ingredient, the format of the teabag category restricts dosages of herbs to trace quantities – far lower than the minimum required for any therapeutic value. For this reason, conventional herbal teas are therapeutically ineffective and mostly placebo largely due to massive underdosage. Among other new-age solutions are innovative versions of the heating pad (electric instead of hot water), and the TENS machine, which use heat therapy or electric impulses to modulate nervous response to pain, leading to limited relief.

[005] Several efforts have been made in the past to prepare herbal formulation for menstrual period discomfort. CA2902722C describes a plant-based composition for making a tea-based beverage. It includes a combination of herbs, medicinal plants, tea and/or spices, which could include Rosa centifolia, Green tea, Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Saffron (Crocus sativus). Further, the composition is packed in, preferably a tea bag.

[006] CN107184730 describes a traditional Chinese medicinal formula and a tea bag for conditioning the menstrual period. The traditional Chinese medicinal formula for conditioning the menstrual period is prepared from the following components: garden ginseng, radix astragali fried with honey, Cinnamomi cortex, Flos caryophyllata, Citri reticulatae Pericarpium, Fructus lycii and Jujubae fructus. The components in the formula disclosed by the application can realize a synergistic effect, so that the formula has the efficacies of nourishing Qi and replenishing blood, nourishing Yin and dredging collaterals, and has the effect of retarding or even eliminating menstrual discomfort symptoms. The formula can be used for regulating menstruation during the menstrual period and is a good health preservation product with good mouth feel, safety and no side effects.

[007] CN108740200 describes a dysmenorrhea tea and a preparation method thereof. The dysmenorrhea tea contains the following raw materials by weight: 1-8 parts of fingered citron, 1-8 parts of orange peel, 1-8 parts of fructus amomi and 1-10 parts of licorice. The preparation method of the dysmenorrhea tea comprises the following steps of material selection: weighing the processed raw materials according to the required weight; soaking: soaking the selected raw materials in water; braising: braising the raw materials after soaking; filtering and cooling: naturally cooling an extract obtained after braising and filtering; sterilization and filling: sterilizing the cooled extract and filling the extract. With the Chinese herbal medicine as the raw materials, the tea has the effects of warming and dispelling cold, relieving menstruation and relieving pain, regulating menstruation and activating blood circulation, regulating qi to disperse stagnation, softening hardness to dissipate stasis, can regulate dysmenorrhea, and improve chest distension, abdominal pain, menstrual fatigue and other discomfort symptoms caused by irregular menstruation. The preparation method has the advantages of simple process, controllable quality, low cost and no pollution, thereby being suitable for industrial production.

[008] However, prior arts do not provide any disclosure about a herbal composition that is not only helpful to address menstrual discomfort but also to offer a quick relief. To meet this need, the present disclosure provides a herbal composition comprising finely ground selected plants: herbs and spices, aimed at relieving Primary Dysmenorrhea and Pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS) while easing their associated issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a herbal composition comprising Ashoka (Saraca asoca), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), Rose (Rosa sp), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgaria), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), and Saffron (Crocus sp.)

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for preparing a herbal composition, the process comprises the steps of:

i) obtaining plants comprising Ashoka Bark in an amount of 56% w/w, Green Tea in an amount of 17% w/w, Rose petals in an amount of 11% w/w, Cinnamon in an amount of 5.6% w/w, Cardamom in an amount of 4.4% w/w, Fennel in an amount of 3.3% w/w, Clove in an amount of 2.2% w/w, Saffron in an amount of 0.075% w/w;
ii) washing and cleaning the plants individually to remove the dirt;
iii) drying the plants individually at a temperature in the range of 30ºC to 40ºC till complete dry;
iv) pulverizing separately the dried plants and then sieving using sieve of mesh size ranging from 10 to 75 to obtain pulverized material of particle size 200 micrometre to 2000 micrometre; and
v) dry blending the pulverized plants to obtain the composition

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The principal objective of the present disclosure is to provide a herbal composition.
[0013] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a process for preparing a herbal composition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments in the specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated composition, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The composition, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0015] The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

[0016] The terms “comprise” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as “consists of only”.

[0017] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps.

[0018] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of the ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0019] Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0020] The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0021] The term “optionally,” as used in the present disclosure, means that a feature or element described as ‘optional’ within the context of the invention is not required for the invention to function as claimed. It indicates that the presence or absence of the described feature or element does not alter the fundamental operation or scope of the invention, and its inclusion or exclusion may be determined based on the specific requirements or preferences of a practitioner skilled in the art or the particular application in question.

[0022] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbal composition comprising Ashoka (Saraca asoca), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis), Rose (Rosa sp), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgaria), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum), and Saffron (Crocus sp).

[0023] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a herbal composition, wherein Ashoka Bark is present in a range of 50 % to 60 % w/w, Green Tea leaves is present in a range of 15% to 20% w/w, Rose petals is present in a range of 10% to 15% w/w, Cinnamon (bark) is present in a range of 4% to 8% w/w, Cardamom(seeds) is present in a range of 3% to 6% w/w, the Fennel(seeds) is present in a range of 2% to 5% w/w, Clove(seeds - specify plant part) is present in a range of 1% to 3% w/w, and Saffron(stigma - specify plant part) is present in a range of 0% to 1% w/w.

[0024] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a herbal composition, wherein Ashoka Bark is present preferably in an amount of 56% w/w, Green Tea is present preferably in an amount of 17% w/w, Rose petals is present preferably in an amount of 11% w/w, Cinnamon is present preferably in an amount of 5.6% w/w, Cardamom is present preferably in an amount of 4.4% w/w, Fennel is present preferably in an amount of 3.3% w/w, Clove is present preferably in an amount of 2.2% w/w, Saffron is present preferably in an amount of 0.075% w/w.

[0025] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a herbal composition, wherein the composition is a beverage mix in the form of loose herbals for preparing decoction, a prepacked infusion bag, preferably in the form of infusion tea bags, and wherein a single tea bag contains more than 5 g of the herbal composition.

[0026] In an preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a herbal composition, wherein the single tea bag contains 7 g to 9 g, preferably 8.9 g of composition.
[0027] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a herbal composition, wherein the composition is having a shelf life of about 10 months to 30 months.

[0028] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a herbal composition, wherein the composition is effective in reducing the menstrual period discomfort.

[0029] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing the herbal composition, the process comprises the steps of:
i) obtaining plants comprising Ashoka Bark in an amount of 56% w/w, Green Tea in an amount of 17% w/w, Rose petals in an amount of 11% w/w, Cinnamon in an amount of 5.6% w/w, Cardamom in an amount of 4.4% w/w, Fennel in an amount of 3.3% w/w, Clove in an amount of 2.2% w/w, Saffron in an amount of 0.075% w/w;
ii) washing and cleaning the plants individually to remove the dirt;
iii) drying the plants individually at a temperature in the range of 30ºC to 40ºC till complete dry;
iv) pulverizing separately the dried plants and then sieving using sieve of mesh size ranging from 10 to 75 to obtain pulverized material of particle size 200 micrometre to 2000 micrometre; and
v) dry blending the pulverized plants to obtain the composition.

[0030] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing the herbal composition comprises the steps of washing and cleaning, drying the plants, pulverizing the plants, dry blending the pulverized plants to obtain the composition, wherein drying is performed using methods selected from, but not limited to, solar dehydration, electric dehydration, shade drying, tray drying, microwave drying, multi-layer drying, and vacuum drying, and preferably tray drying at a temperature ranging from 32 ◦C to 38 ◦C for time period of 1hour to 3 hours.

[0031] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing the herbal composition comprises the steps of washing and cleaning, drying the plants, size pulverizing the plants, dry blending the pulverized plants to obtain the composition, the pulverization is performed using grinding mills, pulverisers, roller cutting mills, preferably roller cutting mills, and wherein the dry blending is performed using ribbon blenders or blade blenders, wherein the pulverized plants having the particle size of 200 micrometre to 2000 micrometre.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a process for preparing the herbal composition comprises the steps of washing and cleaning, drying the plants, size pulverizing the plants, dry blending the pulverized plants to obtain the composition, the pulverization is performed using grinding mills, pulverisers, roller cutting mills, preferably roller cutting mills, and wherein the dry blending is performed using ribbon blenders or blade blenders, wherein the pulverized plants having the particle size preferably of 500 micrometres to 1500 micrometre.

[0033] The herbal composition is a blend of different parts of plants, wherein the parts are broken or crushed, fine ground, coarse powder, wherein the composition of 7 g to 10 g is filled and stored. The composition of 7 g to 10 g is filled in a packaging pouch or string attached bag, wherein the filling is performed using gravitational filling mechanism or automated sealing mechanism, wherein the packing pouch/bag is selected from non-woven fabric, polylactic acid, paper, preferably a cotton cheese cloth permeable to a liquid and designed to release an infusion of the premix when immersed in the liquid for preparing the beverage.

EXAMPLES
A series of thorough surveys and tests were carried out using various combinations of selected plants in this product. The purpose is to alleviate menstrual cramps after consuming the first cup of beverage made out of herbal composition. With regular use throughout the menstrual cycle, it aims to enhance menstrual health indicators over time.

Example 1 - Trials of Blends
[0034] To optimize the composition, trials of blends were prepared, assessed and presented in Table 1. The data required for the survey was collected from the users/respondents by organoleptic evaluation method. The participant break-up was prepared based on the information collected from the answers of the 62 respondents and presented in Table 2.

Table 1 - Trials of Blends
Blend Primary herb(s) Secondary herb(s) Grammage
Blend 1 Green Tea (2 gm.)
Ashoka Bark (0.25 gm.)
Valerian Root (0.1 gm.) Cinnamon (.25 gm.)
Cardamom (.25 gm.)
Clove (.1 gm.)
Saffron (4 threads)
Rose petals (.1 gm.) 3.05 gm.
Blend 2
Green Tea (2 gm.)
Ashoka (1 gm.)
Lodhra (1 gm.) Fennel (.5 gm.)
Cinnamon (.4 gm.)
Clove (.3 gm.) 5.2gm.
Blend 3
Ashoka (5 gm.)
Green Tea (1.5 gm.) Damask Rose (1 gm.)
Cinnamon (0.5 gm.)
Cardamom (0.4 gm.)
Fennel (0.3 gm.)
Clove (0.2 gm.)
Saffron (0.01 gm.) 8.9 gm.

Table 2 - Participant break-up
Respondents comprised of menstruating women across the following age groups:
15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 Total
10 28 22 2 62

Dosage for the trial
[0035] Each participant in the trial used this approach for two full menstrual cycles. One cup of beverage prepared out of the herbal composition was consumed while experiencing menstrual/period discomfort. And at least one cup of beverage prepared out of the herbal composition was consumed each day of menstruation and efficacy of the blends are presented in table 3.

Table 3 – Efficacy rating of blends
Efficacy Taste
Blends Cramps Excess bleeding PMS: Mood PMS: Nausea, bloating
Blend 1 1.9 1.5 1.4 1.8 2.3
Blend 2 2.2 2 1.9 2.4 2.6
Blend 3 4.5 4.3 4.7 4.1 4.7

[0036] Accordingly, the present invention provides a composition preferably in the form of an infusion bag to be infused in boiling hot water for 5 minutes. It is recommended to consume one cup of this beverage the day prior to the onset of the menstrual cycle, followed by two cups during the first two days of the cycle, or at least two cups daily if experiencing menstrual discomfort, including pain or PMS. Throughout the remainder of the cycle, it is beneficial to drink at least one cup each day and to maintain consumption between cycles to promote improved menstrual health.

Efficacy

[0037] Various combinations of plants were tested for its efficacy and resulted in complementary effects. Different flavor profiles were evaluated over a period of 3 to 6 months. The plants were mixed in different ratios in infusion bags and assessed for its effectiveness and high scored combination is as follows:
- 5 gm of Ashoka Bark,
- 1.5 gm of Green Tea,
- 1 gm of Damask Rose Petals,
- 0.5 gm of Cinnamon,
- 0.4 gm of Cardamom,
- 0.3 gm of Fennel,
- 0.2 gm of Clove, and
- 0.07 gm of (3 strands) Saffron.

[0038] Water was identified as the obvious choice for extraction medium, not only for its universal palatability but also because of its superior capabilities as an extraction medium.

[0039] There are two common beverage preparation methods based on extraction in hot water from which the preparation process was derived:

[0040] Infusion:
i. Suspending herbal materials in warm water (typically 60-90ºC), commonly for 2-10 minutes (though traditionally steeping duration can range from a few seconds (for certain teas) to even months (for certain liqueurs).
ii. Typical for herbal teas and tisanes that involve volatile botanicals, including Green Tea and Rose petals among others.
[0041] Decoction:
i. Boiling plant matter in water (typically 90-150ºC) for 5-15 minutes.

[0042] A few factors that influenced both flavour and effectiveness (strength of infusion) were identified in this process are as follows:
1. Size of infused herb particles
2. Temperature of infusion medium (water)
3. Duration of infusion
4. Water-to-herb ratio.

[0043] The higher temperature (boiling water), longer steeping (10-15 minutes) and particle sizes as small as 500 micrometres to 1500 micrometre were optimal for strength, flavour considerations and practicalities of both consumer acceptability as well as conventional manufacturing capabilities brought to an optimum at 5 minutes, 250-300 ml. boiling hot water (>90o C).

[0044] Thus, the process yielded an infusion bag format to be infused in boiling hot water (90 ºC or higher) for 5 minutes to obtain a beverage. It is advisable to consume one cup of this beverage the day prior to the onset of the menstrual cycle, followed by two cups during the first two days of the cycle, or at least two cups daily if experiencing menstrual discomfort, including pain or PMS. Throughout the remainder of the cycle, it is beneficial to drink at least one cup each day and to maintain consumption between cycles to promote improved menstrual health.
Quality analysis
[0045] To ensure quality of plants, high quality testing standards were set in place to ensure every batch is tested for heavy metals, microorganisms (bacterial, fungal) as well as common contaminants.
, Claims:1. A herbal composition comprising:
(i) Ashoka (Saraca asoca);
(ii) Green Tea (Camellia sinensis);
(iii) Rose (Rosa sp);
(iv) Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum);
(v) Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum);
(vi) Fennel (Foeniculum vulgaria);
(vii) Clove (Syzygium aromaticum); and
(viii) Saffron (Crocus sp).

2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Ashoka Bark is present in a range of 50 % to 60 % w/w, Green Tea leaves is present in a range of 15% to 20% w/w, Rose petals is present in a range of 10% to 15% w/w, Cinnamon (bark) is present in a range of 4% to 8% w/w, Cardamom(seeds) is present in a range of 3% to 6% w/w, the Fennel (seeds) is present in a range of 2% to 5% w/w, Clove(seeds) is present in a range of 1% to 3% w/w, and Saffron(stigma) is present in a range of 0% to 1% w/w.

3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Ashoka Bark is present preferably in an amount of 56% w/w, Green Tea is present preferably in an amount of 17% w/w, Rose petals is present preferably in an amount of 11% w/w, Cinnamon is present preferably in an amount of 5.6% w/w, Cardamom is present preferably in an amount of 4.4% w/w, Fennel is present preferably in an amount of 3.3% w/w, Clove is present preferably in an amount of 2.2% w/w, Saffron is present preferably in an amount of 0.075% w/w.

4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is a beverage mix in the form of loose herbals for preparing decoction, a prepacked infusion bag, preferably in the form of infusion tea bags, and wherein a single tea bag contains more than 5 g of the herbal composition.

5. The composition as claimed in claim 1-4, wherein the single tea bag contains 7 g to 9 g, preferably 8.9 g of composition.
6. The composition as claimed in claims 1-5, wherein the composition is having a shelf life of about 10 months to 30 months.

7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is effective in reducing the menstrual period discomfort.

8. A process for preparing the herbal composition, the process comprises the steps of:
i) obtaining plants comprising Ashoka Bark in an amount of 56% w/w, Green Tea in an amount of 17% w/w, Rose petals in an amount of 11% w/w, Cinnamon in an amount of 5.6% w/w, Cardamom in an amount of 4.4% w/w, Fennel in an amount of 3.3% w/w, Clove in an amount of 2.2% w/w, Saffron in an amount of 0.075% w/w;
ii) washing and cleaning the plants individually to remove the dirt;
iii) drying the plants individually at a temperature in the range of 30ºC to 40ºC till complete dry;
iv) pulverizing separately the dried plants and then sieving using sieve of mesh size ranging from 10 to 75 to obtain pulverized material of particle size 200 micrometre to 2000 micrometre; and
v) dry blending the pulverized plants to obtain the composition.

9. The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein drying is performed using methods selected from, but not limited to, solar dehydration, electric dehydration, shade drying, tray drying, microwave drying, multi-layer drying, and vacuum drying, and preferably tray drying at a temperature ranging from 32 ◦C to 38 ◦C for time period of 1hour to 3 hours.

10. The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pulverization is performed using grinding mills, pulverisers, roller cutting mills, preferably roller cutting mills, and wherein the dry blending is performed using ribbon blenders or blade blenders, wherein the pulverized plants having the particle size preferably of 500 micrometre to 1500 micrometre.