Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of herbal and organic antimicrobial products, specifically to the formulation of incense or dhoop sticks. More particularly, it pertains to the development of an organic dhoop stick containing bioactive compounds extracted from Crassula ovata, exhibiting antimicrobial properties. The invention falls within the domain of natural product-based healthcare, plant-derived antimicrobial agents, and traditional aromatic applications for indoor air purification and therapeutic ambience.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
References which are cited in the present disclosure are not necessarily prior art and therefore their citation does not constitute an admission that such references are prior art in any jurisdiction. All publications, patents and patent applications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
In the current scenario, one of the major concerns of environmental degradation is airborne microbial contamination. They can spread through respiratory activity like talking, laughing, coughing and sneezing. To mitigate the problem, some natural and sustainable products required to subtract chemical disinfectants. From ancient times, cow dung has been utilized as a natural decontaminant in cultural practices. Therefore, cow dung has been utilized to make the dhoop sticks along with Crassula ovata dry powder as main medicinal plant source, dry rose petals used to emit a pleasant aroma and gum arabic and camphor as a organic binding agent and ignition agent, respectively. The invention concerns incense sticks that are safe and environmentally favorable, non- irritation incense stick made of Crassula ovata that also release non- toxic vapors and can stop the proliferation of pathogenic micro-organism in surrounding environment. This invention provides a sustainable and one of the effective solution for air purification, utilizing herbal and natural material to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment. It might be favorable for human respiratory system.
The incense smoke contains harmful gases and carcinogenic compounds, because most of the incense sticks made up of various synthetic components. To overcome the issues, organic incense sticks need to be invented. Besides these problems, several respiratory problems arise after covid-19 period. In recent years the air pollution increases, this implies that it may result in various respiratory conditions including asthma and the pollutants are highly affected on the immunocompromised patients. According to a study, inhaling chemical-based incense may be more carcinogenic than smoking cigarettes. Besides this, nowadays the trend of nuclear families is up to the top, due to this people now live in smaller spaces and have their kitchen and toilet in close proximity. Therefore, the pathogenic microbes can enter from toilets to kitchen easily. Naturally the microorganisms are growing more quickly, and even fresher air does not stop them from multiplication
Several patents issued for incense sticks but none of these are related to the present invention. Patent WO2023053099A1 relates to incense sticks that are non-toxic and safe. Unlike incense sticks made of bamboo, the prepared incense stick does not emit harmful pollutants when burning. More particularly, the invention relates to an eco-friendly, harmless incense sticks. The invention relates to use of coconut mid-rib for preparing incense stick. More particularly, the invention relates to non-irritating, fragrant incense sticks made of coconut mid-rib which is also non-toxic in terms of the fumes released after burning.
Another patent WO2011092722A1 relates to improved aromatic paper mosquito repellant which does not catch fire but smolders and burns uniformly and constantly, repels mosquitoes retaining the aroma for a longer period of time. The improved aromatic paper mosquito repellant which comprises a paper stick / straw/coil and any other desired shape having a coating of a composition comprising of an aqueous solution of potassium nitrate (salitre) chromium nitrate, lead nitrate, ammonium ceric nitrate, copper nitrate, sodium nitrate iron nitrate, the nitrates being present alone or in their combination thereof, desired water soluble perfumery compound/water insoluble perfumery compound, an anti-fungus agent and allithrin. The invention also provides a method of making the aromatic paper mosquito repellant.
Another patent CN102316908A relates to the invention provides harmless and non-toxic incense sticks. The incense stick prepared is such that it does not give out toxic fumes on burning unlike incense stick made of bamboo. The invention discloses incense stick made of feather reed grass stem. The invention also discloses Composition, Manufacturing Process, Assessment and applications of the prepared incense stick.
Another patent ES2377612B1 relates to use of Crassula for the treatment of proliferative diseases. Use of plants of the genus Crassula, of its extracts, or of an active ingredient obtained from the plant material of the plants, or of its extracts, for the treatment of proliferative diseases, both Benign as malignant, and mainly against proliferative diseases of the skin, including warts caused by human papillomavirus infections, and especially plantar warts. Compositions and pharmaceutical formulations comprising said plant material, extracts or active ingredients.
Another patent CN110124178B discloses agilawood incense stick with nerve calming and sleep aiding effects and a preparation method and application thereof. According to the invention, safe and effective raw material compositions are screened out through a large number of experiments, the natural agilawood and the natural Indonesia nanensis sticky powder are adopted, and the line incense is prepared through a fermentation process, is free of chemical additives, and is green and safe. The results of the nerve-soothing and sleep-aiding functional test show that the agilawood incense stick can obviously prolong the sleep time and improve the sleep quality. And a contrast experiment shows that the sleep-aiding effect of the fermented agilawood incense stick is obviously superior to that of the unfermented agilawood incense stick, so that the fermentation process is creatively introduced into the preparation process of the agilawood incense stick, and a very good technical effect is achieved.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Main object of the present invention is to organic antimicrobial dhoop stick formulated from crassula ovata.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an organic dhoop stick formulated using extracts of Crassula ovata that exhibits effective antimicrobial activity.
Another object of the present invention is to develop a natural alternative to synthetic incense products by utilizing plant-based materials with inherent therapeutic and antimicrobial properties.
Another object of the present invention is to reduce indoor microbial load and purify air through the regular burning of the formulated dhoop stick.
Another object of the present invention is to enhance the traditional use of incense sticks by incorporating scientifically validated bioactive components for additional health benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings.
The present invention provides a novel formulation of an organic antimicrobial dhoop stick incorporating extracts of Crassula ovata, a succulent plant known for its medicinal and bioactive properties. The invention harnesses the natural antimicrobial compounds present in Crassula ovata to create a herbal incense product capable of inhibiting microbial growth when burned in indoor environments.
The dhoop stick is composed of a blend of herbal powders, natural binders, aromatic agents, and Crassula ovata extract, ensuring a smokeless or low-smoke burn with pleasant fragrance and enhanced therapeutic benefits. The formulation avoids the use of synthetic chemicals or artificial additives, making it safe for human health and environmentally friendly.
This invention serves as a multifunctional product with applications in air purification, aromatherapy, and traditional wellness practices, while offering a sustainable and effective solution to microbial contamination in household and public settings.
Herein enclosed a method for the preparation of an organic antimicrobial dhoop stick wherein the process comprises:
An organic antimicrobial dhoop stick comprising:
A plant-based composition consisting of Crassula ovata leaf powder in the concentration range of 20% to 80% by weight,
Along with cow dung, gum arabic as a binder, rose petals as a fragrance enhancer, camphor as a burning agent, and optionally ghee,
The composition is molded into a stick form and designed to release antimicrobial smoke upon combustion for purification of indoor air.
Crassula ovata leaf powder is shade-dried for 4–5 days before formulation to retain its phytochemical integrity.
The concentration of gum arabic is increased proportionally with the concentration of Crassula ovata to maintain structural consistency.
Fumigation using said stick results in a significant reduction in airborne microbial colonies as observed on nutrient agar plates.
All ingredients are sourced from natural, biodegradable, and locally available materials, making the formulation eco-friendly and sustainable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
Fig 1: (A) Gum Arabic, (B) Ghee, (C) Cow Dung, (D) Rose petals.
Fig 2: (A) Raw material (B) Prepared organic dhoop sticks in laboratory
Fig 3: Graphical representation of antimicrobial activity of Crassula ovata plant powder, which is key ingredient of Organic dhoop and the control (supporting materials, open air)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a",” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
In some embodiments of the present invention, formulation of an organic antimicrobial dhoop stick using Crassula ovata as the primary bioactive ingredient, intended for natural air purification and microbial load reduction in indoor environments.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the dhoop stick is composed of eco-friendly materials including Crassula ovata leaf powder, cow dung, gum arabic (as a binder), rose petals (as a fragrance enhancer), camphor (as a burning agent), and optionally ghee for improved aroma and combustion.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the plant materials were shade-dried and ground into powder, then blended with fixed proportions of the supporting ingredients to prepare four different formulations containing 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% plant powder. Each formulation was tested for antimicrobial efficacy by fumigating in a microbiology laboratory where nutrient agar plates were exposed to open air before and after burning the sticks.
In some embodiments of the present invention, results showed a significant reduction in airborne microbial colonies with increasing concentration of Crassula ovata, confirming its effectiveness as a natural antimicrobial agent.
In some embodiments of the present invention, this invention offers a sustainable, non-toxic, and culturally relevant solution for air purification, particularly suitable for routine use in homes and spiritual spaces across various climatic conditions.
Herein enclosed a method for the preparation of an organic antimicrobial dhoop stick wherein the process comprises:
An organic antimicrobial dhoop stick comprising:
A plant-based composition consisting of Crassula ovata leaf powder in the concentration range of 20% to 80% by weight,
Along with cow dung, gum arabic as a binder, rose petals as a fragrance enhancer, camphor as a burning agent, and optionally ghee,
The composition is molded into a stick form and designed to release antimicrobial smoke upon combustion for purification of indoor air.
Crassula ovata leaf powder is shade-dried for 4–5 days before formulation to retain its phytochemical integrity.
The concentration of gum arabic is increased proportionally with the concentration of Crassula ovata to maintain structural consistency.
Fumigation using said stick results in a significant reduction in airborne microbial colonies as observed on nutrient agar plates.
All ingredients are sourced from natural, biodegradable, and locally available materials, making the formulation eco-friendly and sustainable.
EXAMPLE 1
BEST METHOD
Material required for preparation of herbal dhoop as an air purifier.
• Crassula ovata (Primary plant source)
• Cow dung
• Gum arabic (as binding agent)
• Rose petals (as fragrance enhancer)
• Ghee (optional)
• Camphor (as burning agent)
Procurement and collection of ingredients: Gum arabic and camphor were procured from a provision store in Prem Nagar, Dehradun. Ghee, Cow dung and rose petals were procured from home Distt. Paonta Sahib Himachal Pradesh.
Preparation of herbal dhoop
The Crassula ovata leaves and rose petals are washed with tap water, then dried in shadow for 4 -5 days. First of all, prepare a control by mixing camphor 8 grams, ghee 20 ml, cow dung 16 gm, gum arebic 4 gm and rose petals 16 grams this proportion was taken after several experiments. Then four different samples of incense prepared according to the concentration of plant powder 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% respectively and remaining content were same in each stick. For 20% we have taken 8 grams of supporting materials (Ghee, Camphor, cow dung, Gum Arabic) and 2 grams of plant powder. For 40% we will take 6 grams of supporting materials and 4 gram of plant powder. 60% we will take 4 gram supporting materials and 6-gram plant powder. Whereas the concentration of gum arabic will increase 2 ml in each sample according to the concentration of plant powder increased. After the preparation of dhoop sticks, they were fumigating in the microbiology lap open area, the all stickes were fumigate nearly 2 feet distance and at that time open nutrient agar plates were placed for few minutes to observe the results.
Crassula ovata is an eco-friendly medicinal plant, it can be grown in every climatic condition. It is outdoor as well as indoor plant. Results of this work revealed that it acts as a strong air purifying agent when it will be used as organic dhoop. In India, most of the houses are regularly using the dhoop sticks at their worship places. Therefore, it might be beneficial for the human beings to escape with airborne pathogenic diseases. Figure .3. concluded that the microbial agents gradually decrease with the increase of plant powder. Figure 3A. showing only airborne bacterial strains., 3B: Airborne bacteria after fumigation of control, 3C, 3D, and 3E showing airborn bacterial population with the gradual increase of percentage of plant powder in dhoop sticks.
ADVANTAGE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
The present invention offers several advantages, including the use of natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable ingredients, making it safe for human health and environmentally friendly. The incorporation of Crassula ovata, a widely available and easy-to-grow medicinal plant, provides effective antimicrobial action, helping to reduce airborne pathogens and improve indoor air quality. Unlike synthetic incense sticks that may release harmful chemicals, this organic dhoop stick supports holistic wellness through its therapeutic aroma and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the formulation promotes traditional practices using modern scientific validation, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for routine air purification in homes, temples, and wellness spaces.

, Claims:1. A method for preparing plant-based antimicrobial incense sticks comprising the steps of:
a) washing Crassula ovata leaves and rose petals with tap water, and drying the same under shade for 4 to 5 days to obtain dried plant materials;
b) preparing a control composition by mixing 8 grams of camphor, 20 ml of ghee, 16 grams of cow dung, 4 grams of gum arabic, and 16 grams of rose petals;
c) preparing incense stick mixtures by varying the concentration of plant powder to 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%,
wherein the supporting materials are adjusted accordingly, and the gum arabic content is increased by 2 ml for each increment in plant powder concentration;
d) molding each mixture into incense stick form; and
e) fumigating the incense sticks near open nutrient agar plates in a microbiology laboratory at a distance of about 2 feet to evaluate antimicrobial properties.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plant powder comprises a combination of dried Crassula ovata leaves and rose petals ground into fine powder.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proportion of supporting materials is varied as follows:
8 grams for 20% plant powder,
6 grams for 40% plant powder,
4 grams for 60% plant powder, and
2 grams for 80% plant powder.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gum arabic concentration is increased progressively by 2 ml with each increase in plant powder concentration level.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial activity is determined by observing microbial growth inhibition on the nutrient agar plates after exposure to the fumigation.