Traditional Chinese medicine composition as well as preparation method and application thereof in pet oral care

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of pet food, in particular to a traditional Chinese medicine composition, a preparation method thereof and application of the traditional Chinese medicine composition in pet oral care. The invention discloses a traditional Chinese medicine food additive for dog oral care. The traditional Chinese medicines are medicinal and edible traditional Chinese medicines and comprise centella asiatica extract, mint extract and aloe extract. The components act together and are integrally suitable for dog oral care. Efficacy tests prove that the dog oral care solution can effectively promote dog oral health, inhibit dog oral saliva colonies, reduce the hydrogen sulfide content in dog oral cavities, relieve ozostomia, maintain fresh breath, reduce the risk of dog oral diseases and realize the comprehensive effect of dog oral care. The traditional Chinese medicine additive is good in palatability and high in acceptability of pets, can be directly eaten, can also be sprayed on dog food to prepare dog food with an oral care effect, and has high application value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pet food, and more particularly to a traditional Chinese medicine composition, its preparation method, and its application in pet oral care. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of pet ownership, pet oral health issues are receiving growing attention, and pet oral care is shifting from an "optional expense" to a "basic health management need." Oral health has a significant impact on a pet's overall health. On the one hand, oral problems can lead to tartar buildup, causing periodontal disease, and in severe cases, gum recession, tooth loss, oral pain, and gingivitis, affecting a pet's appetite and digestion. On the other hand, oral problems can cause bad breath, yellow teeth, and swollen gums, affecting a pet's appearance and interaction with its owner.

[0003] Traditional oral care products, such as pet toothpaste, mouth spray, and mouthwash, are often difficult to use effectively due to low pet cooperation. Similarly, some pet treats like dental chews and sticks may be unpalatable, leading to pet refusal or resistance, which can also negatively impact oral health. Secondly, some products prioritize efficacy, containing excessive chemical additives or medications, such as fluoride, foaming agents, and chlorhexidine commonly found in human oral care products. These could pose potential health risks to pets if swallowed. Furthermore, some products offer only short-lived effects and may not have undergone sufficient clinical trials and validation, failing to provide lasting oral hygiene and health, and their effectiveness and safety cannot be fully guaranteed.

[0004] Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important part of traditional medicine. Compared with Western medicine, TCM compound prescriptions are cheaper, have milder and more lasting effects, and relatively fewer side effects, making them widely used in the treatment of oral diseases. Individual TCM compounds such as curcumin and catechins, which are phenolic compounds, can reduce the virulence of periodontal pathogens such as *Porphyromonas gingivalis*, improving periodontal disease symptoms (such as gingival bleeding). Herbs like gypsum, privet fruit, and eclipta prostrata can alleviate gingival redness and recession, and have a strengthening effect on teeth. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Qingwei San (containing Coptis chinensis, Rehmannia glutinosa, Paeonia suffruticosa, Angelica sinensis, Cimicifuga foetida, and Gypsum fibrosum) can be used for gingival pain, bleeding, and bad breath. Liuwei Dihuang Wan (containing Rehmannia glutinosa, Cornus officinalis, Dioscorea opposita, Paeonia suffruticosa, Poria cocos, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Lycium barbarum, and Cinnamomum cassia) is used for gingival recession and loose teeth. Bazhen Tang (containing Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Angelica sinensis, Rehmannia glutinosa, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Paeonia lactiflora, Citrus reticulata, and Aucklandia lappa) is used for gingival recession, pale gums, and loose teeth. A topical Chinese medicine compound (containing Realgar, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Borneol, Talcum, and Cinnabar), ground into powder and mixed with honey for brushing, can be used for gingivitis. The proprietary Chinese medicine Liyan Shuzhen Yuan Qingyan San (containing Pearl, Indigo Naturalis, Phellodendron chinense, Galla chinensis, Borneol, and Mentha haplocalyx) is used for oral and pharyngeal inflammation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Objective of the Invention: The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a traditional Chinese medicine composition, its preparation method, and its application in pet oral care. This study designed a traditional Chinese medicine food additive for canine oral care, composed of Centella asiatica extract, peppermint extract, and aloe vera extract. It inhibits bacteria through a dual pathway of chewing friction and saliva digestion. It can be used directly as a dental powder with a pet toothbrush, or sprinkled or sprayed directly onto dry food to prepare a functional oral care food for dogs.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention discloses a traditional Chinese medicine composition, its preparation method, and its application in pet oral care. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a traditional Chinese medicine composition comprising the following components in parts by weight: 1-2 parts of Centella asiatica extract, 1-2 parts of peppermint extract, and 1-2 parts of aloe vera extract. Preferably, the traditional Chinese medicine composition comprises the following components in parts by weight: 2 parts of Centella asiatica extract, 2 parts of peppermint extract, and 1 part of aloe vera extract.

[0008] The efficacy and pharmacological effects of the traditional Chinese medicines used in this invention are as follows:

[0009] Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, a perennial herb belonging to the genus Centella of the Apiaceae family, possesses properties of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, and diuresis. Centella asiatica extract includes triterpenes and their glycosides, polyacetylenes, volatile oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other compounds. The application of Centella asiatica in oral health has shifted from traditional folk remedies to modern evidence-based product development. Its core active ingredients (asiaticoside, hydroxyasiaticoside, asiaticoside, etc.) are systematically incorporated into toothpaste, mouthwash, gels, and pet oral care formulas, revolving around three major mechanisms: anti-inflammatory, repair, and hemostasis. Centella asiatica triterpenes can inhibit pathogenic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, reduce inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and alleviate gingival redness and swelling. Asiaticoside, by activating the SMAD pathway, stimulates the proliferation of type I collagen and fibroblasts, accelerating the healing of oral ulcers and mechanical injuries.

[0010] Peppermint (Mentha canadensis L.) is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Mentha in the family Lamiaceae. It has the functions of dispelling wind-heat, clearing the head and eyes, relieving sore throat, promoting rash eruption, and soothing the liver and regulating qi. The main components of peppermint extract include volatile components (menthol, etc.), phenolic components (luteolin, menthol glycosides, and other flavonoids and tannins), and amino acids. The application of peppermint in oral health has evolved from "cooling and flavoring" to "multi-target functional ingredient." Its core value is achieved through the combined action of active substances such as menthol, menthone, and flavonoids, utilizing four main mechanisms: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and refreshing. It is applied in toothpaste, mouthwash, pet care, and post-operative care. 0.05%–0.2% menthol can inhibit Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, reducing plaque formation and lowering the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. Menthol activates the TRPM8 cold receptor, producing an instantaneous "cold analgesia" effect, providing immediate relief for gingival redness and swelling, and oral ulcers.

[0011] Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family. It has the effects of clearing heat and promoting digestion, eliminating parasites, and cooling the liver. Aloe vera extract mainly contains anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, aloe-emodin, etc.), polysaccharides, organic acids, minerals, and vitamins, and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, wound-healing, and antioxidant effects. Due to its natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing-promoting properties, aloe vera has been widely studied and clinically applied in the field of oral health, covering multiple levels from daily care to professional dental treatment. The anthraquinones and polysaccharides in aloe vera extract inhibit pathogenic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, reduce inflammatory responses, and promote fibroblast migration and tissue regeneration. Toothpaste / mouthwash containing aloe vera can inhibit pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, reduce plaque and halitosis, and relieve gingival redness and bleeding.

[0012] These components work together through multiple mechanisms, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cleansing, and promotion of oral microecological balance, making them suitable for canine oral care as a whole. Efficacy tests have verified that they can effectively promote canine oral health and achieve comprehensive results in canine oral care.

[0013] The Centella asiatica extract is prepared by the following method: Centella asiatica is extracted with ethanol, purified with resin, and then dried to obtain the Centella asiatica extract. Preferably, the ethanol extraction is performed using a 60%–70% v / v ethanol solution; the resin purification is performed using macroporous adsorption resin. More preferably, the Centella asiatica extract contains 10–20 wt% total triterpenoid saponins.

[0014] The peppermint extract is prepared by mixing peppermint with water, refluxing at 70-80°C for extraction, and then concentrating and drying to obtain the peppermint extract.

[0015] The aloe vera extract is prepared by the following method: aloe vera and water are mixed and homogenized, an ethanol solution is added and mixed well, and the mixture is allowed to stand for 24-56 hours. The ethanol is then removed, and the aloe vera extract is obtained by filtration and drying. Preferably, the aloe vera extract contains 95 wt% aloin.

[0016] Secondly, the present invention provides the application of the traditional Chinese medicine composition described in the first aspect in pet oral care.

[0017] The oral care mentioned includes reducing the number of oral saliva bacteria, lowering hydrogen sulfide concentration, and improving breath odor.

[0018] The traditional Chinese medicine composition is used for pet oral care in the following manner: the traditional Chinese medicine composition is mixed with pet dry food at a mass ratio of 1:1000 and used as pet daily dry food.

[0019] Beneficial effects:

[0020] All the traditional Chinese medicines in this invention are food-grade materials with good palatability and high acceptance by dogs, making them suitable for dogs that resist brushing their teeth. They can be eaten directly or sprayed onto dog food to create oral care dog food, demonstrating high application value.

[0021] The traditional Chinese medicine food additive for canine oral care prepared by this invention can effectively promote canine oral health, reduce halitosis and the number of oral saliva bacteria, reduce the hydrogen sulfide content in the canine oral cavity, alleviate halitosis, maintain fresh breath, reduce the risk of oral diseases in dogs, and achieve comprehensive oral care effects.

[0022] The traditional Chinese medicine food additive for canine oral care prepared by this invention has a simple preparation method, low production cost, stable product performance, and good biosafety. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, and the advantages of the present invention in the above and / or other aspects will become clearer.

[0024] Figure 1 These are sensory comparison images of the canine teeth after the same rinsing process in Example 3, showing their natural light appearance. A represents the sensory appearance of the teeth in Experimental Group 1 on day 0, and B represents the sensory appearance of the teeth in Experimental Group 1 on day 21. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to examples. These embodiments are implemented based on the technical solution of the present invention, providing detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Example 1: Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Additives for Pet Oral Care

[0026] This embodiment describes the preparation of a traditional Chinese medicine additive for pet oral care using the following method:

[0027] (1) Preparation of Centella Asiatica extract:

[0028] (a) Raw material pretreatment: 500g of dried whole Centella asiatica is crushed into coarse powder (20-50 mesh).

[0029] (b) Extraction: Use 60-70% v / v ethanol (70% v / v in this example) and reflux extract twice (the amount of ethanol used in the first extraction is 10 times the mass of Centella asiatica, and the amount of ethanol used in the second extraction is 8 times the mass of Centella asiatica), each time for 2 hours. Combine the filtrates and concentrate under reduced pressure to extract.

[0030] (c) Purification: Dissolve in water and elute sequentially with water, 30% v / v ethanol, 50% v / v ethanol and 70% v / v ethanol using a macroporous resin column (AB-8).

[0031] (d) Drying: After the eluent is concentrated under reduced pressure, it is dried by vacuum drying or spray drying to obtain a light yellow powder, namely Centella asiatica extract.

[0032] (2) Preparation of peppermint extract:

[0033] (a) Raw material pretreatment: 500g of chopped dried mint leaves with a particle size <2mm.

[0034] (b) Extraction: Add 10-20 times the weight of peppermint water (10 times in this example), reflux at 70-80℃ (70℃ in this example) twice, each time for 1.5-2 hours (2 hours in this example).

[0035] (c) Filtration and concentration: Combine the filtrates and concentrate under reduced pressure to 3 to 6 times (mL / g) the weight of the peppermint leaves (3 times in this example).

[0036] (d) Drying: Obtain a brown powder, i.e., peppermint extract, by vacuum drying or spray drying.

[0037] (3) Preparation of aloe vera extract:

[0038] (a) Raw material pretreatment: Wash 250g of aloe vera, add ultrapure water at a ratio of 1:5 (w / v, g / mL), homogenize with a high-speed homogenizer (10000rpm, 1min), and pour into a beaker.

[0039] (b) Extraction: Add 300 mL of 75% v / v ethanol solution, shake well and let stand for 48 h. Then, use a rotary evaporator at 80°C (95 r / min) connected to a low-temperature cooling circulating pump to evaporate the ethanol to obtain 200 mL of aloe vera extract. Then, use vacuum filtration to obtain 100 mL of aloe vera extract and sterilize it in a vertical pressure steam sterilizer at 121°C for 20 min. Drying: Obtain aloe vera extract powder by vacuum drying or spray drying.

[0040] The herbal extracts obtained in the above steps are mixed in a mass ratio of Centella asiatica extract: peppermint extract: aloe vera extract = 2:2:1 to obtain a herbal additive for pet oral care.

[0041] Example 2: Palatability evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine additives for pet oral care

[0042] This embodiment evaluates the palatability of the oral care herbal additive prepared in Example 1. The evaluation method is as follows:

[0043] Experimental Design: Ten healthy dogs were selected, each with its own enclosure to avoid any potential sources of stress and distraction (e.g., the presence of other specimens and / or new odors). Two identical stainless steel bowls were used, one containing regular dry food and the other containing dry food with added pet oral care herbal supplements (0.1% w / w). Both bowls were placed in the enclosure simultaneously, and feeding behavior was recorded.

[0044] Experimental Results: As shown in Tables 1 and 2, all 10 dogs first sniffed the food in two bowls and then ate a portion of the dry food from each bowl. A paired-samples t-test was performed on the two groups: the difference was calculated as: (amount of dry food with added oral care herbal additives (g) - (amount of regular dry food (g)). The mean of the difference was -2.4, the standard deviation was 4.95, the t-value was -1.534, and the p-value was 0.158. Since p > 0.05, there was no significant difference in food intake between the two groups, indicating that the addition of oral care herbal additives had no effect on the palatability of the dry food.

[0045] Table 1. Food intake of dogs

[0046]

[0047] Table 2 Palatability Evaluation

[0048] Example 3: Efficacy Test of Traditional Chinese Medicine Additives for Pet Oral Care

[0049] This embodiment verifies the efficacy of the pet oral care additive prepared in Example 1. The specific method is as follows:

[0050] Case selection: Seven adult dogs aged one year or more were selected, and dental examination confirmed the presence of tartar and plaque. One dog served as the control group, fed regular dry food and drinking water daily. The remaining six dogs were assigned to experimental groups 1-6, fed regular dry food, drinking water daily, and the oral care herbal additive prepared in Example 1, with the herbal additive added at a ratio of 0.1% w / w of the dry food, for 21 days.

[0051] Determination of teeth cleaning effectiveness:

[0052] The following examinations were performed on the experimental dogs at fixed times on days 0, 14, and 21:

[0053] (1) Determination of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) content in the oral cavity

[0054] The main gases causing halitosis are volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. After sedation, the H2S concentration in the dogs' oral cavities was measured using a gas analyzer and calculated in ppm. SPSS 11.0 was used for analysis and statistical analysis.

[0055] (2) Determination of oral salivary flora

[0056] Oral saliva samples were collected from all test dogs, and bacterial colony counts were determined. The method used was the plate count method. SPSS 11.0 was used for analysis and statistical analysis.

[0057] Measurement results:

[0058] Figure 1 For experimental group 1, day 0 ( Figure 1 A) and day 21 Figure 1 (B) Canine teeth after the same rinsing, natural light sensory comparison.

[0059] As shown in Table 3, compared with day 0, the oral H2S concentration in experimental groups 1-6 was significantly lower than that in the control group on day 14 (P<0.05); and on day 21, the oral H2S concentration in experimental groups 1-6 was extremely significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). This indicates that the oral care herbal additive can effectively reduce the H2S concentration in the oral cavity of the dogs and reduce halitosis.

[0060] Table 3. H2S concentration determination in canine oral cavity (ppm)

[0061]

[0062] As shown in Table 4, compared with day 0, on day 14, the number of oral salivary bacteria in experimental groups 2-6 was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05); on day 21, the number of oral salivary bacteria in experimental groups 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the number of oral salivary bacteria in experimental group 4 was extremely significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). This indicates that the oral care herbal additive can effectively reduce the number of oral salivary bacteria in dogs and reduce the risk of oral diseases in dogs.

[0063] Table 4. Determination of oral salivary flora in dogs (10) 4 cfu / mL)

[0064]

[0065] In summary, compared with the control group, the products prepared in the experimental group effectively inhibited salivary flora in canine oral cavity, reduced H2S concentration in canine oral cavity, effectively alleviated halitosis, and maintained fresh breath. Furthermore, the products are highly palatable and can be fed directly. Overall, they are suitable for canine oral care, and efficacy tests have verified that they can effectively promote canine oral health and achieve comprehensive effects in canine oral care.

[0066] This invention discloses a traditional Chinese medicine additive for canine oral care, and provides a method for its preparation and application. Many methods and approaches can be used to implement this technical solution; the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. All components not explicitly stated in this embodiment can be implemented using existing technologies.

Claims

1. A traditional Chinese medicine composition, characterized in that, The traditional Chinese medicine composition consists of the following components in parts by weight: 1-2 parts Centella asiatica extract, 1-2 parts peppermint extract and 1-2 parts aloe vera extract.

2. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The traditional Chinese medicine composition consists of the following components in parts by weight: 2 parts Centella asiatica extract, 2 parts peppermint extract and 1 part aloe vera extract.

3. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Centella asiatica extract was prepared by the following method: Centella asiatica was extracted with ethanol, purified with resin, and then dried to obtain the Centella asiatica extract.

4. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ethanol extraction is performed using a 60%–70% v / v ethanol solution; the resin purification is performed using macroporous adsorption resin.

5. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The peppermint extract was prepared by the following method: peppermint was mixed with water, extracted by reflux at 70-80°C, and then concentrated and dried to obtain the peppermint extract.

6. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aloe vera extract was prepared by the following method: aloe vera and water were mixed and homogenized, ethanol solution was added and mixed well, and the mixture was allowed to stand for 24-56 hours. The ethanol was removed, and the aloe vera extract was obtained by filtration and drying.

7. The use of the traditional Chinese medicine composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in pet oral care.

8. The application according to claim 7, characterized in that, The oral care described includes reducing the number of oral saliva bacteria, lowering hydrogen sulfide concentration, and improving breath odor.

9. The application according to claim 7, characterized in that, The traditional Chinese medicine composition is used for pet oral care as follows: the traditional Chinese medicine composition is mixed with pet dry food at a mass ratio of 1:1000 and used as daily pet dry food.

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