Claims:1. A composition for preserving grains comprising: (a) Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze in a weight percentage range of 13% to 14% of the composition; (b) Tinospora cordifolia in a weight percentage range of 9% to 10% of the composition; (c) Capsicum annuum var. longum in a weight percentage range of 7% to 8% of the composition; (d) Curcuma longa in a weight percentage range of 11% to 12% of the composition; and (e) a binder in a weight percentage range of 56% to 58% of the composition.
2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the binder is selected from starch, sodium alginate or gelatin.
3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises whole of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, whole of Tinospora cordifolia, whole of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and whole of Curcuma longa.
4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises part of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, part of Tinospora cordifolia, part of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and part of Curcuma longa.
5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises an extract of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, an extract of Tinospora cordifolia, an extract of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and an extract of Curcuma longa.
6. The composition as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the part or extract is obtained from root, leaves, shoot, fruits, rhizome, seed, stem, barks, flower, bud or combinations thereof of the plant.
7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises leaves of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, leaves of Tinospora cordifolia, fruits of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and roots of Curcuma longa.
8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises an extract of leaves of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, an extract of leaves of Tinospora cordifolia, an extract of fruits of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and an extract of roots of Curcuma longa.
9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of tablets, powders, gels, granules, concentrates or capsules.
10. A method of preparing a composition for preserving grains comprising the steps of:
(a) boiling about 13% to about 14% of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, about 9% to about 10% of Tinospora cordifolia, about 7% to about 8% of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and about 11% to about 12% of Curcuma longa separately in a solvent over a water bath to give extracts;
(b) mixing all the extracts of (a) with about 56% to about 58% of a binder to give a homogenous paste; and
(c) drying followed by optional powdering of the paste to give the composition.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the solvent is selected from water or ethanol.
12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the binder is selected from starch, sodium alginate or gelatin.

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to preservation of stored grains. More specifically, the disclosure is directed to a composition for preserving stored grains comprising Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, Tinospora cordifolia, Capsicum annuum var. longum, and Curcuma longa.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Grains like wheat, paddy etc. easily grow pests or insects during storage processes. They are generally stored in dark and dry places to avoid them from getting spoilt. However, they may still grow insects or pests that can damage them by eating or gnawing leading to economic damage either due to loss of grains or due to decrease in their quality.
[0004] To avoid grain damage they are generally stored along with pesticides or insecticides or are chemically treated before storage. However, use of pesticides or insecticides is faced with problems including absorption of chemicals by grains, food degradation due to excessive use of pesticides, or development of drug-resistance in insects or pests due to excessive usage of chemicals. They also lead to environmental damage upon their leakage into water or soil. Additionally, the medications are also cost-intensive making the overall process of agriculture expensive.
[0005] The inventors of the present disclosure have arrived at a composition for preserving food grains comprising natural ingredients that are devoid of side effects yet are effective.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a composition for preserving grains that is an effective repellant against pests and/or insects.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a composition for preserving grains that does not affect the quality of grains.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a composition for preserving grains that is eco-friendly and devoid of side effects.
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a process of preparing the composition for preserving grains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0011] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a composition for preserving grains comprising Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze (Kali basuti), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), Capsicum annuum var. longum (Lal mirch), Curcuma longa (Haldi), and a binder.
[0012] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a composition for preserving grains comprising: (a) Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze (Kali basuti) in a weight percentage range of about 13% to about 14% of the composition; (b) Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) in a weight percentage range of about 9% to about 10% of the composition; (c) Capsicum annuum var. longum (Lal mirch) in a weight percentage range of about 7% to about 8% of the composition; (d) Curcuma longa (Haldi) in a weight percentage range of about 11% to about 12% of the composition; and (e) a binder in a weight range of about 56% to about 59% of the composition. The binder is preferably starch.
[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of preparing a composition for preserving grains comprising the steps of:
(a) boiling Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze (Kali basuti), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), Capsicum annuum var. longum (Lal mirch), and Curcuma longa (Haldi) separately in a solvent over a water bath to give extracts;
(b) mixing all the extracts of (a) with a binder to give a homogenous paste; and
(c) drying followed by optional powdering of the paste to give the composition.
[0014] Preferably, the solvent is water and the extracts are aqueous extracts.
[0015] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to use of the composition for preserving grains against harmful pests or insects.
[0016] Other aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learnt by the practice of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered 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 spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0018] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0019] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0020] In some embodiments, numbers have been used for quantifying weights, percentages, ratios, and so forth, to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention and are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0021] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0022] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0023] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0024] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.
[0025] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0026] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified.
[0027] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present disclosure. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the disclosure.
[0028] It should also be appreciated that the present disclosure can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a system, a method or a device. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes. In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.
[0029] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0030] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0031] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a composition for preserving grains comprising Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, Tinospora cordifolia, Capsicum annuum var. longum, Curcuma longa, and a binder.
[0032] Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze is an important plant well known for its phyto-constituents including flavonoids, and terpenoids. It is native to south Asia and has leaves that are ovate. The plant bears purple to whitish flowers. The leaves have been used in the treatment of coughs, cold, or snake bites.
[0033] Capsicum annuum var. longum Guntur Sannam is a variety of chili belonging to the genus Capsicum. They originate in Guntur Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a thick-skinned chili, which is pungent and grows in warm climates. It is routinely used for culinary purposes.
[0034] Tinospora cordifolia or heart-leaved moonseed or Giloy or Guduchi, is a climbing shrub native to India. It is typically found at higher altitudes and is flower bearing (greenish yellow). A variety of steroids, alkaloids and other active compounds have been isolated and identified from the plant.
[0035] Curcuma longa or turmeric or haldi belongs to the ginger family and is a very common spice in India. The rhizomes of the plant are generally used as spice or as a yellow dye. It is a perennial herb that is majorly domesticated. It has long leaves and bears yellow white flowers borne on the stalk. It is extensively used in Indian cooking (as a curry powder) and in ayurveda as anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and anti-oxidant.
[0036] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a composition for preserving grains comprising: (a) Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze in a weight percentage range of about 13% to about 14% of the composition; (b) Tinospora cordifolia in a weight range of about 9% to about 10% of the composition; (c) Capsicum annuum var. longum in a weight range of about 7% to about 8% of the composition; (d) Curcuma longa in a weight range of about 11% to about 12% of the composition; and (e) a binder in a weight range of about 56% to about 59% of the composition.
[0037] In an embodiment, the binder may be selected from starch, Gelatin (10-20%), or sodium alginate. Preferably the binder is starch.
[0038] In an embodiment, the composition may comprise whole of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, whole of Tinospora cordifolia, whole of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and whole of Curcuma longa.
[0039] In an embodiment, the composition may comprise part of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, part of Tinospora cordifolia, part of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and part of Curcuma longa.
[0040] In an embodiment, the composition may comprise an extract of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, an extract of Tinospora cordifolia, an extract of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and an extract of Curcuma longa.
[0041] In an embodiment, the extract or part may be obtained from the root, leaves, shoot, fruits, rhizome, seed, stem, barks, flower, bud or combinations thereof of the plant.
[0042] In an embodiment, the composition may comprise leaves of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, leaves of Tinospora cordifolia, fruits of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and roots of Curcuma longa.
[0043] In an embodiment, the composition may comprise an extract of leaves of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, an extract of leaves of Tinospora cordifolia, an extract of fruits of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and an extract of roots of Curcuma longa.
[0044] In an embodiment, the composition of the present disclosure may be provided in a solid form, including tablets, powders, gels, granules, concentrates or capsules. In another embodiment, the composition may also be formulated into a liquid or gas that may be sprayed.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the composition may be in powdered form. The powder may then be compressed into tablets to be placed in a warehouse or storage for grains.
[0046] In an embodiment, the composition does not have any side-effects on the grains. The grains are suitable for consumption post long periods of exposure to the composition. No harmful chemicals leach into the grains.
[0047] In an embodiment, the composition does not have any harmful side-effects or toxicity on humans consuming the exposed grains.
[0048] In an embodiment, the composition is eco-friendly as there are no harmful environmental impacts of accidental release of the composition into water or soil.
[0049] In an embodiment, the composition is economical and easy to manufacture.
[0050] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of preparing a composition for preserving grains comprising the steps of:
(a) boiling Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, Tinospora cordifolia, Capsicum annuum var. longum, and Curcuma longa separately in a solvent over a water bath to give extracts;
(b) mixing all the extracts of (a) with a binder to give a homogenous paste; and
(c) drying followed by optional powdering of the paste to give the composition.
[0051] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of preparing a composition for preserving grains comprising the steps of:
(a) boiling about 13% to about 14% of Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze, about 9% to about 10% of Tinospora cordifolia, about 7% to about 8% of Capsicum annuum var. longum, and about 11% to about 12% of Curcuma longa separately in a solvent over a water bath to give extracts;
(b) mixing all the extracts of (a) with about 56% to about 58% of a binder to give a homogenous paste; and
(c) drying followed by optional powdering of the paste to give the composition.
[0052] In an embodiment, the solvent may be selected from water, or ethanol. Preferably, the solvent is water and the extracts are aqueous extracts.
[0053] In an embodiment, boiling may be carried out at a range of about 90 to about 100 degrees centigrade, followed by a slow increase in temperature for about an hour. In an embodiment, drying may be performed at about 60 degrees centigrade.
[0054] In an embodiment, the binder may be selected from starch, Gelatin (10-20%), or sodium alginate.
[0055] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to use of the composition for preserving grains against harmful pests or insects.
[0056] In an embodiment, the composition works synergistically to repel insects, pathogens or pests. The pest may be Grain weevil (Red bugs).
[0057] In an embodiment, the composition shows up to 90-95% efficacy in repelling insects.
[0058] In an embodiment, the composition may be administered in a weight of about 500 mg.
[0059] In an embodiment, the composition may be applied at once or may be applied in intervals of time. In an embodiment, the composition may be applied to a surface before the placement of grains on the surface.
[0060] In an embodiment, the composition may be suitable for preserving grains including, but not limited to, wheat, rice, oats, maize, barley, sorghum, or rye.
[0061] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0062] The present invention is further explained in the form of following examples. However, it is to be understood that the following examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention.
[0063] Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze leaves, Tinospora cordifolia leaves, Capsicum annuum Linn. (Lal mirch) fruit and Curcuma longa (Haldi) root in dried form were obtained from Herbal garden of Chitkara University.
Example 1:
Table No. 1: Constituent Composition for preserving grains
S. No. Constituent Weight
1 Pogostemon benghalensis Kuntze leaves 900 mg
2 Tinospora cordifolia leaves 650 mg
3 Capsicum annuum var. longum (Lal mirch) fruit 550 mg
4 Curcuma longa (Haldi)root in dried form 800 mg
5 Starch 4 gm

[0064] The composition was prepared as per Table No. 1 above. All the above ingredients were separately extracted in 10 ml water for each case at 90-100 degree centigrade on water bath and temperature was gradually increased and heated for one hour. 2ml extract from each ingredient was added in 100 ml beaker where slowly starch (4g) was added to make a smooth homogeneous paste. This paste was dried in oven for 2hrs at 60 degree centigrade and after 2hrs it was completely in dried form which was then crushed into powdered form. The powder was pressed in Tablet Punching machine of 500 mg capacity of 12mm diameter.
[0065] Insect repellency test against Grain weevil (Red bugs) was performed in wheat and rice. 10 red bugs added in one kg wheat having 1 herbal tablet in a container of capacity 2 kg. Out of 10, 9 red bugs collected on upper side of container (toward the lid) after observation of 24 h and tried to move outside the container. When the lid was opened, all red bugs moved away.
[0066] Same experiment was repeated with rice also and it was found that no bugs remained in rice. Bugs moved away and become inactive.
[0067] The foregoing examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0068] The present disclosure provides a composition for preserving grains from insect and pest infestation.
[0069] The present disclosure provides a composition for preserving grains that has no side-effects on the grains and consequently on humans.
[0070] The present disclosure provides a composition for preserving grains that is economical, effective and easy to manufacture.