DESC:[001] FIELD OF INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates to a novel green tea film preparation comprising a water-soluble polymer and green tea extract as an effective ingredient, specifically a water-soluble green tea film for green tea preparation by dissolving green tea film with a water-soluble polymer to drink simply and conveniently by dissolving in hot water, and the method for preparation thereof.

[003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[004] Green tea herb has been used for preparing green tea for many years, since it contains various ingredients for good health, for example inorganic ingredients, vitamins, anti-oxidants or anti-bacterial components as functional ingredients.

[005] Recently various green tea type products such as dried green tea leaf itself, granule type green tea, disposable green tea bag, have been developed and marketed conventionally.

[006] Generally, the conventionally marketed green tea products have various disadvantages, for example inconvenience to clean the un-used green tea leaf or disposable green tea bag soaked in remaining water, which cause difficulty in handling and cleaning. Moreover, such disposable tea bag may burst and give rise to other disadvantages, for example, difficulty in controlling proper brewing time to obtain most palatable taste.

[007] In order to overcome the above disadvantages of green tea leaf or disposable green tea bag, inventors of PCT Publication No. WO2015/088221 have developed a water-soluble film type herb tea preparation comprising a water-soluble polymer, an herb extract and a plasticizer. The inventors of WO ‘221 Publication have developed a green tea film comprising a water-soluble polymer selected from pullulan or pectin and mixtures thereof comprising of about 2% w/w to about 40% w/w of total composition of the film. The films as disclosed in WO ‘221 patent are brittle, fragile in nature and have bitter taste. Therefore, there exists a need to develop the water-soluble film comprising green tea extract, and a water-soluble polymer that have better film forming properties, faster disintegration time and pleasant taste.

[008] The inventors of the present invention have intensively investigated to improve the film formation and disintegration time of water-soluble film comprising green tea extract, as a result of investigation, the inventors have surprisingly discovered a novel water-soluble film composition comprising green tea extract and water-soluble polymer mixture consisting sodium alginate and cross-linked polyacrylate polymer that have the advantages of better film forming properties, faster disintegration time, flexibility, pleasant taste and faster disintegration rate etc.

[009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[010] The present invention relates to a water-soluble film composition comprising (a) green tea extract, (b) at least one water-soluble polymer selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate, cross-linked polyacrylate and carrageenan.

[011] The present invention relates to a water-soluble film composition comprising green tea extract and water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of sodium alginate and cross-linked polyacrylate polymer.

[012] The present invention further relates to a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of sodium alginate and cross-linked polyacrylate polymer, and
(c) additives.
[013] The present invention relates to a water-soluble film composition comprising green tea extract and water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of sodium alginate and carrageenan.

[014] The present invention further relates to a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of sodium alginate and carrageenan, and
(c) additives.

[015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[016] The present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising green tea extract and at least one water soluble polymer selected from group consisting of sodium alginate, cross-linked polyacrylate and carrageenan.

[017] In one embodiment the present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) green tea extract,
(b) at least one water-soluble polymer selected from group consisting of sodium alginate, cross-linked polyacrylate and carrageenan, and
(c) additives.

[018] In one specific embodiment the present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising green tea extract and water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of sodium alginate and cross-linked polyacrylate polymer (Carbopol®).

[019] In another specific embodiment the present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising green tea extract and water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of sodium alginate and carrageenan.

[020] As used herein in connection with numerical values, the terms “about” mean +/- 5% of the indicated value, including the indicated value.

[021] The term “green tea extract” defined herein comprises all conventionally available material which is used to make green tea. The water-soluble film composition of the present invention comprises of about 40% w/w to about 60% w/w of green tea extract, based on the total weight of the film, preferably from about 45% w/w to about 55% w/w based on the total weight of the film.

[022] In one embodiment the water-soluble polymer mixture used in the present invention is mixture of polymers selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate and cross-linked polyacrylate polymer.

[023] In embodiments of the invention the water-soluble film composition of the present invention comprises of about 0.01% w/w to about 25% w/w of sodium alginate, based on the total weight of the film, preferably from about 5% w/w to about 20% w/w based on the total weight of the film, more preferably from about 10% w/w to about 15% w/w based on the total weight of the film.

[024] In embodiments of the invention the water-soluble film composition of the present invention comprises of about 0.01% w/w to about 10% w/w of cross-linked polyacrylate polymer based on the total weight of the film, preferably from about 0.2% w/w to about 5% w/w based on the total weight of the film, more preferably from about 0.5% w/w to about 2% w/w based on the total weight of the film composition.

[025] In another specific embodiment the water-soluble polymer mixture used in the present invention is mixture of polymers selected from the group consisting of sodium alginate and carrageenan.

[026] The present inventors during the course of development of the present green tea film have surprisingly found that mother roll prepared by polymer mixture of carrageenan and sodium alginate can be hold for more than 7 days as compare to mother roll prepared by polymer mixture of sodium alginate and cross-linked polyacrylate polymer in the manufacturing process.

[027] Further the present inventors have also surprisingly found that the green tea film with the polymer mixture of carrageenan and sodium alginate formed clear solution without haziness when dissolved in hot water before consuming the tea, in comparison to the film with the polymer mixture of sodium alginate and cross-linked polyacrylate polymer. The present inventors have found that the green tea film with the polymer mixture of sodium alginate and cross-linked polyacrylate polymer when dissolved in hot water formed the particles of alginic acid which are insoluble in hot water, where the alginic particles are formed due the conversion of sodium alginate to alginic acid in presence of acidic pH contributed by the cross-linked polyacrylate polymer.

[028] In embodiments of the invention the water-soluble film composition of the present invention comprises of about 0.01% w/w to about 20% w/w of carrageenan based on the total weight of the film, preferably from about 0.1% w/w to about 15% w/w based on the total weight of the film, more preferably from about 0.5% w/w to about 10% w/w based on the total weight of the film composition and most preferably from about 2% w/w to about 7% w/w based on the total weight of the film.

[029] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of sodium alginate and cross-linked polyacrylate polymer, and
(c) additives.

[030] In another embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of about 5 % w/w to about 20% w/w sodium alginate and about 0.5% w/w to about 2% w/w cross-linked polyacrylate polymer based on the total weight of the film, and
(c) at least one additive selected from group consisting of plasticizers, disintegrating agents and flavoring agents.

[031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of sodium alginate and carrageenan, and
(c) additives.

[032] In another embodiment, present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) green tea extract,
(b) water soluble polymer mixture consisting of about 5% w/w to about 20% w/w sodium alginate and 0.5% w/w to about 10% w/w carrageenan based on the total weight of the film, and
(c) and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, disintegrating agents and flavoring agents.

[033] The term “plasticizer” defined herein comprises all the conventionally available material which can control the flexibility of the film and the plasticizers are selected from group consisting of glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, triacetin and acetyl citrate. The plasticizer preferably used in the present inventive composition is glycerol which is present in the range from about 1% w/w to about 20% w/w, more preferably in the range of about 2% w/w to about 15% w/w, even more preferably in the range of about 5% w/w to about 10% w/w based on the total weight of film composition.

[034] Suitable disintegrating agents for the preparation of the film according to the present invention is hydroxypropyl pea starch (hydroxypropyl starch), pre-gelatinized starch, croscarmellose sodium and sodium starch glycolate. The disintegrating agent preferably used in the present composition is hydroxypropyl pea starch which is present in the range of more than 10% w/w based on the total weight of the composition, preferably from about 12% w/w to about 40% w/w based on the total weight of the film.

[035] The flavoring agents that can be used include those known to the skilled artisan, such as natural and artificial flavors. These flavoring agents may be chosen from synthetic flavor oils and flavoring aromatics, and/or oils, oleo resins and extracts derived from plants, leaves, flowers, fruits and so forth, and combinations thereof. Representative flavor oil include: green tea flavor spearmint oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, bay oil, thyme oil, cedar leaf oil, oil of nutmeg, oil of sage, and oil of bitter almonds. Representative flavor from leaves include green tea leaf extract flavor. Also useful are artificial, natural or synthetic fruit flavors such as vanilla, banana, chocolate, coffee, cocoa and citrus oil, including lemon, orange, grape, lime and grapefruit and fruit essences including apple, pear, peach, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, pineapple, apricot and so forth. These flavorings can be used individually or in admixture. Commonly used flavors include mints such as peppermint, artificial vanilla, cinnamon derivatives, and various fruit flavors, whether employed individually or in admixture. Flavorings such as aldehydes and esters including cinnamyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde, citral, diethylacetal, dihydrocarvyl acetate, eugenyl formate, p-methylanisole, and so forth may also be used. Generally, any flavoring or food additive, such as those described in Chemicals Used in Food Processing, publication 1274 by the National Academy of Sciences, pages 63 258, may be used. Further examples of aldehyde flavorings include, but are not limited to acetaldehyde (apple); benzaldehyde (cherry, almond); cinnamic aldehyde (cinnamon); citral, i.e., alpha citral (lemon, lime); neral, i.e. beta citral (lemon, lime); decanal (orange, lemon); ethyl vanillin (vanilla, cream); heliotropine, i.e., piperonal (vanilla, cream); vanillin (vanilla, cream); alpha-amyl cinnamaldehyde (spicy fruity flavors); butyraldehyde (butter, cheese); valeraldehyde (butter, cheese); citronellal (modifies, many types); decanal (citrus fruits); aldehyde C-8 (citrus fruits); aldehyde C-9 (citrus fruits); aldehyde C-12 (citrus fruits); 2-ethyl butyraldehyde (berry fruits); hexenal, i.e. trans-2 (berry fruits); tolyl aldehyde (cherry, almond); veratraldehyde (vanilla); 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal, i.e. melonal (melon); 2-6-dimethyloctanal (green fruit); and 2-dodecenal (citrus, mandarin); cherry; grape; honey or mixtures thereof; and the like.

[036] In further specific embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) about 45% w/w to about 55% green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of about 10% w/w to about 15% w/w sodium alginate and about 0.5% w/w to about 2% w/w cross-linked polyacrylate polymer based on the total weight of the film,
(c) about 5% w/w to about 10% w/w of plasticizers,
(d) about 13% w/w to about 40% w/w disintegrating agents, and
(e) flavoring agents.

[037] In still further specific embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) about 45% w/w to about 55% green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of about 10% w/w to about 15% w/w sodium alginate and about 0.5% w/w to about 2% w/w cross-linked polyacrylate polymer based on the total weight of the film,
(c) about 5% w/w to about 10% w/w of glycerol,
(d) about 12% w/w to about 40% w/w hydroxypropyl pea starch, and
(e) flavoring agents.

[038] In another specific embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) about 45% w/w to about 55% green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of about 10% w/w to about 15% w/w sodium alginate and about 0.5% w/w to about 10% w/w carragenan based on the total weight of the film,
(c) about 5% w/w to about 10% w/w of plasticizers,
(d) about 13% w/w to about 40% w/w disintegrating agents, and
(e) flavoring agents.

[039] In still further specific embodiment of the invention, the present invention provides a water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) of about 45% w/w to about 55% green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of about 10% w/w to about 15% w/w sodium alginate; about 0.5% w/w to about 10% w/w carrageenan based on the total weight of the film,
(c) about 5% w/w to about 10% w/w of glycerol,
(d) about 12% w/w to about 40% w/w hydroxypropyl pea starch, and
(e) flavoring agents.

[040] The following examples are provided to illustrate the present invention. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific conditions or details described in the examples below. The examples should not be construed as limiting the invention as the examples merely provide specific methodology useful in the understanding and practice of the invention and its various aspects. While certain preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention have been set forth for purposes of disclosing the invention, modification to the disclosed embodiments can occur to those who are skilled in the art.

[041] Example 1

[042] Composition
S. No Component mg/Strip (% w/w)
1 Green tea extract 120 49.9
2 Cross-linked polyacrylate polymer 4 1.7
3 Sodium Alginate 26 10.8
4 Hydroxypropyl pea starch 48 20.0
5 Glycerol 18 7.5
6 Green Tea flavor 8 3.3
7 Lemon grass flavor 6 2.5
8 Ginger Liquid flavor 4 1.7
Total 234 100

[043] Process for preparation
[044] Required quantity of purified water was taken and Cross-linked polyacrylate polymer, sodium alginate, Hydroxypropyl pea starch, Green tea extract, green tea flavor, lemon grass flavor, ginger liquid flavor and glycerin was added one by one and stirred to the purified water and stirred to form a slurry. The slurry was layered onto a polyester film and dried.

[045] Example 2

[046] Composition

S. No Component mg/Strip (% w/w)
1 Green tea extract 120 50.2
2 Cross-linked polyacrylate polymer 1.5 0.6
3 Sodium Alginate 30 12.6
4 Hydroxypropyl pea starch 50 20.9
5 Glycerol 20 8.4
6 Green Tea flavor 9.5 4.0
7 Lemon grass flavor 5 2.1
8 Ginger Liquid flavor 3 1.3
Total 239 100

[047] Process for preparation
[048] The process of the preparation is similar as that of example -1.

[049] Example 3

[050] Composition

S. No Component mg/Strip (% w/w)
1 Green tea extract 120 49.9
2 Cross-linked polyacrylate polymer 3 1.2
3 Sodium Alginate 30 12.5
4 Hydroxypropyl pea starch 50 20.8
5 Glycerol 20 8.3
6 Green Tea flavor 9.5 4.0
7 Lemon grass flavor 5 2.1
8 Ginger Liquid flavor 3 1.2
Total 240.5 100

[051] Process for preparation
[052] The process of the preparation is similar as that of example -1.

[053] Example 4

[054] Composition

S. No Component mg/Strip (% w/w)
1 Green tea extract 120 52.4
2 Carrageenan 7.5 3.3
3 Sodium Alginate 30 13.1
4 Hydroxypropyl pea starch 30 13.1
5 Glycerol 20 8.7
6 Green Tea flavor 9.5 4.1
7 Lemon grass flavor 9 3.9
8 Ginger Liquid flavor 3 1.3
Total 229 100

[055] Process for preparation
[056] Required quantity of purified water was taken and Carrageenan, sodium alginate, Hydroxypropyl pea starch, Green tea extract, green tea flavor, lemon grass flavor, ginger liquid flavor and glycerin was added one by one and stirred to the purified water and stirred to form a slurry. The slurry was layered onto a polyester film and dried.
,CLAIMS:1. A water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) green tea extract,
(b) at least one water-soluble polymer selected from group consisting of sodium alginate, cross-linked polyacrylate and carrageenan, and
(c) additives.

2. The water-soluble film as claimed in claim 1, wherein water-soluble film comprises about 40% w/w to about 60% w/w based on the total weight of the film.

3. The water-soluble film as claimed in claim, wherein additives selected from group consisting of plasticizers, disintegrating agents and flavoring agents.

4. A water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) about 40% w/w to about 60% w/w green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of sodium alginate and cross-linked polyacrylate polymer, and
(c) additives.

5. The water-soluble film as claimed in claim 4, wherein the film comprises about 5% w/w to about 20% w/w sodium alginate and 0.5% w/w to about 2% w/w cross-linked polyacrylate polymer based on the total weight of the film.

6. The water-soluble film as claimed in claim 4, wherein the additives are selected from group consisting of plasticizers, disintegrating agents and flavoring agents.

7. The water-soluble film as claimed in claim 6, wherein the film comprises of about 12% w/w to about 40% w/w of disintegrating agent based on the total weight of the film.

8. A water-soluble film composition comprising
(a) about 40% w/w to about 60% w/w green tea extract,
(b) water-soluble polymer mixture consisting of sodium alginate and carrageenan, and
(c) additives.

9. The water-soluble film as claimed in claim 8, wherein the film comprises about 5% w/w to about 20% w/w sodium alginate and 0.5% w/w to about 10% w/w carrageenan based on the total weight of the film.

10. The water-soluble film as claimed in claim 8, wherein the additives are selected from group consisting of plasticizers, disintegrating agents and flavoring agents.