Tobacco product, plant spice, and use of plant spice in preparation of tobacco product

Abstract

The present application relates to a tobacco product, a plant spice and the use of the plant spice in the preparation of the tobacco product. The tobacco product comprises the plant spice, wherein the plant spice is prepared by means of mixing a plant raw material with a deep eutectic solvent for extraction. The plant raw material comprises one or more of Rosa roxburghii, Ficus carica, Tamarindus indica, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus domestica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Siraitia grosvenorii, Fructus mume, Passiflora edulis, Actinidia chinensis and Crataegus pinnatifida.

Description

Tobacco product, plant flavor and application of plant flavor in preparation of tobacco product

[0001] Related applications

[0002] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411080407X, filed on August 7, 2024, and entitled "Tobacco product, plant flavor and application of plant flavor in preparation of tobacco product", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the field of tobacco, in particular to a tobacco product, a plant flavor and application of the plant flavor in preparation of the tobacco product. BACKGROUND

[0004] With the development of tobacco industry technology, tobacco products are no longer limited to single tobacco flavor, and more pursuit of richness of aroma. Among them, tobacco flavor and fragrance have become increasingly important in improving the quality of tobacco products, and have become an indispensable additive for tobacco products. Selecting appropriate tobacco flavor and fragrance and adding it to tobacco products can enrich the aroma style of tobacco products and improve the smoking quality. Among them, the composition of synthetic flavor is simple, and the aroma is single. Natural plant flavor has complex and diverse ingredients, coordinated aroma ratio, rich and full aroma effect, and the raw material comes from nature, which has attracted much attention from the tobacco industry.

[0005] Currently, natural plant flavor applied in tobacco products has poor coordination and richness of aroma with tobacco products. SUMMARY

[0006] According to various embodiments of the present application, a tobacco product is provided.

[0007] In addition, some other embodiments of the present application also provide a plant flavor and application of the plant flavor in preparation of a tobacco product.

[0008] A tobacco product comprises a plant flavor, wherein the plant flavor is prepared by mixing and extracting plant raw materials with a eutectic solvent, and the plant raw materials comprise one or more of Rosa roxburghii, Ficus carica, tamarind, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus domestica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Momordica cochinchinensis, Fructus Mume, Passiflora edulis, Actinidia deliciosa and Crataegus pinnatifida.

[0009] In some embodiments, the eutectic solvent comprises a first component and a second component in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-6), the first component is a hydrogen bond acceptor, and the second component is a hydrogen bond donor, or the first component and the second component are both hydrogen bond donors.

[0010] In some embodiments, the eutectic solvent comprises a first component and a second component in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-3).

[0011] In some embodiments, the hydrogen bond acceptor comprises one or more of choline chloride, betaine, and proline.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hydrogen bond donor comprises one or more of a sugar, an organic acid, and a polyol.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sugar comprises one or more of glucose, fructose, and sucrose, the organic acid comprises one or more of lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid, and the polyol comprises one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, xylitol, and sorbitol.

[0014] In some embodiments, when both the first component and the second component are hydrogen bond donors, the first component is a sugar or an organic acid, and the second component is a polyol, or both the first component and the second component are sugars.

[0015] In some embodiments, the deep eutectic solvent is prepared by mixing and stirring the first component and the second component at about 70°C to about 110°C for about 1 hour to about 2 hours.

[0016] In some embodiments, the deep eutectic solvent comprises choline chloride and citric acid, or the deep eutectic solvent comprises lactic acid and glycerol, or the deep eutectic solvent comprises fructose and glycerol, or the deep eutectic solvent comprises xylitol and fructose, or the deep eutectic solvent comprises betaine and lactic acid, or the deep eutectic solvent comprises xylitol and glucose, or the deep eutectic solvent comprises lactic acid and glucose.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plant material comprises Rosa roxburghii Tratt, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises choline chloride and lactic acid at a molar ratio of about 1: (1-6); or,

[0018] the plant material comprises Rosa roxburghii Tratt, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises lactic acid and glycerol at a molar ratio of about 1: (1-6); or,

[0019] the plant material comprises Crataegus pinnatifida Bge, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises lactic acid and glycerol at a molar ratio of about 1: (1-6).

[0020] In some embodiments, the preparation of the plant flavor comprises:

[0021] mixing the plant material and an extraction solvent to perform ultrasonic extraction, wherein the extraction solvent comprises the deep eutectic solvent and optionally water, the mass percentage of water in the extraction solvent is about 0% to about 70%, and the mass ratio of the plant material to the extraction solvent is about 1: (3-5);

[0022] filtering after ultrasonic extraction to obtain a filtrate and a residue;

[0023] washing the residue, mixing the obtained washing liquid with the filtrate, and concentrating to prepare the plant flavor.

[0024] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic extraction is performed at a power of about 150 W to about 300 W, a temperature of about 50℃ to about 70℃, for about 30 min to about 60 min, and 1 to 2 times.

[0025] In some embodiments, the plant flavor is about 0.1% to about 3% by mass in the tobacco product.

[0026] In some embodiments, the tobacco product is one of a cigarette, an aerosol, and a heat-not-burn tobacco product.

[0027] A plant flavor is prepared by mixing and extracting a plant material with a deep eutectic solvent, the plant material comprising one or more of Rosa roxburghii, Ficus carica, tamarind, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus domestica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Siraitia grosvenorii, Prunus mume, Passiflora edulis, Actinidia deliciosa, and Crataegus pinnatifida.

[0028] In some embodiments, the deep eutectic solvent comprises a first component and a second component in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-6), the first component being a hydrogen bond acceptor, the second component being a hydrogen bond donor, or both the first component and the second component being hydrogen bond donors.

[0029] In some embodiments, the deep eutectic solvent comprises a first component and a second component in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-3).

[0030] In some embodiments, the hydrogen bond acceptor comprises one or more of choline chloride, betaine, and proline.

[0031] In some embodiments, the hydrogen bond donor comprises one or more of a sugar, an organic acid, and a polyol.

[0032] In some embodiments, the sugar comprises one or more of glucose, fructose, and sucrose, the organic acid comprises one or more of lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid, and the polyol comprises one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, xylitol, and sorbitol.

[0033] In some embodiments, when both the first component and the second component are hydrogen bond donors, the first component is a sugar or an organic acid, the second component is a polyol, or both the first component and the second component are sugars, or the first component is a sugar and the second component is an organic acid.

[0034] In some embodiments, the deep eutectic solvent is prepared by mixing and stirring the first component and the second component at about 70°C to about 110°C for about 1h to about 2h.

[0035] In some embodiments, the plant material comprises kiwi fruit, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises betaine and lactic acid; or,

[0036] the plant material comprises kiwi fruit, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises malic acid and glycerol; or,

[0037] the plant material comprises figs, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises lactic acid and glucose; or,

[0038] the plant material comprises figs, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises choline chloride and sorbitol.

[0039] In some embodiments, the preparation of the plant flavor comprises:

[0040] mixing the plant material with an extraction solvent to perform ultrasonic extraction, wherein the extraction solvent comprises the deep eutectic solvent and optionally water, the mass percentage of water in the extraction solvent is about 0% to about 70%, and the mass ratio of the plant material to the extraction solvent is about 1:(3-5);

[0041] filtering after ultrasonic extraction to obtain filtrate and residue;

[0042] washing the residue, mixing the obtained washing liquid with the filtrate, and concentrating to prepare the plant flavor.

[0043] In some embodiments, during the ultrasonic extraction, the ultrasonic power is about 150W to about 300W, the extraction temperature is about 50°C to about 70°C, the extraction time is about 30min to about 60min, and the extraction frequency is 1 to 2 times.

[0044] use of the plant flavor as described above in the preparation of a tobacco product.

[0045] In some embodiments, in the tobacco product, the mass percentage of the plant flavor is about 0.1% to about 3%.

[0046] In some embodiments, the tobacco product is one of a cigarette, an aerosol, and a heat-not-burn tobacco product.

[0047] The tobacco product comprises a plant flavor prepared by mixing and extracting a plant material with a deep eutectic solvent, the plant material comprising one or more of rose apple, fig, tamarind, sea buckthorn, apple, licorice, monk fruit, dark plum, passion fruit, kiwi and hawthorn. The deep eutectic solvent is used to extract aroma components from the plant material, which is safer and less toxic than traditional organic solvents, and improves the extraction rate of the plant material. The low volatility of the deep eutectic solvent also helps to better preserve the aroma components. When applied to tobacco products, the tobacco products have both plant characteristic aroma and original aroma, and the richness, fullness and consistency of smoke are improved, and the sensory comfort of the tobacco products is improved.

[0048] The details of one or more embodiments of the application are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the application will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description only represent some embodiments of the application, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained without creative effort based on the disclosed drawings.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram of a method for preparing a plant flavor according to some embodiments of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the application will be described clearly and completely in the embodiments of the application in combination with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments only represent some of the embodiments of the application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort fall within the scope of protection of the application.

[0052] Unless otherwise specified or contradictory, the terms or phrases used in the application have the following meanings:

[0053] In the application, "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined with "first" and "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features.

[0054] In the description of the application, "a plurality of" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0055] In the present application, "one or more" means any one, any two or more than two of the listed items. Among them, "more" means any two or more than two.

[0056] In the present application, the percentage concentration involved, unless otherwise specified, refers to the final concentration. The final concentration refers to the proportion of the added component in the system after the component is added.

[0057] In the present application, "further", "still further", "in particular", "for example", "such as", "for instance", "for example", etc. are used for description purposes, indicating that the preceding and subsequent technical solutions are related in terms of coverage, but should not be understood as a limitation on the previous technical solution, nor as a limitation on the scope of protection. In the present application, unless otherwise specified, A (such as B) means that B is one non-limiting example of A, and it can be understood that A is not limited to B.

[0058] In the present application, "optionally", "optional" and "optional" mean that it can or can not exist, that is, it means to choose from any one of the two parallel schemes of "have" or "have". If there are multiple "options" in a technical solution, unless otherwise specified, and there is no contradiction or mutual restriction, each "option" is independent. In the present application, "optionally contains", "optionally contains" and the like mean "contains or does not contain". "Optional component X" means that component X exists or does not exist, or means that it contains or does not contain component X.

[0059] When a numerical range is disclosed in the present application, the above range is considered to be continuous and includes the minimum value and the maximum value of the range, as well as every value between the minimum value and the maximum value. Further, when the range is an integer, every integer between the minimum value and the maximum value of the range is included. In addition, when multiple ranges are provided to describe a feature or characteristic, the ranges can be combined. In other words, unless otherwise specified, all ranges disclosed in the present application should be understood to include any and all sub-ranges included therein.

[0060] In the present application, the technical features described in an open manner include both the closed technical solution consisting of the listed features and the open technical solution including the listed features.

[0061] In the present application, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device including a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but can optionally include steps or units not listed, or can optionally include other steps or components inherent to the process, method, product or device.

[0062] Reference to an "embodiment" in this application means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearances of the phrase in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily mutually exclusive of one another. It is expressly understood that the embodiments described herein are merely examples from among a great variety of embodiments that can be made.

[0063] In a first aspect, the application provides a plant flavor, wherein the plant flavor is prepared by mixing and extracting plant raw materials with a deep eutectic solvent, the plant raw materials comprising one or more of Rosa roxburghii, Ficus carica, tamarind, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus domestica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Siraitia grosvenorii, Prunus mume, Passiflora edulis, Actinidia deliciosa and Crataegus pinnatifida.

[0064] The plant flavor is prepared by mixing and extracting plant raw materials with a deep eutectic solvent, the plant raw materials comprising one or more of Rosa roxburghii, Ficus carica, tamarind, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus domestica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Siraitia grosvenorii, Prunus mume, Passiflora edulis, Actinidia deliciosa and Crataegus pinnatifida. The deep eutectic solvent is used to extract aroma components from the plant raw materials. Compared with traditional organic solvents, the deep eutectic solvent is safe and non-toxic, and improves the extraction rate of the plant raw materials. At the same time, the low volatility of the deep eutectic solvent itself also allows the aroma components to be better preserved. When applied to tobacco products, the plant flavor not only has plant characteristics, but also coordinates with the original aroma of the tobacco product. At the same time, it can increase the richness, fullness and consistency of the smoke, and improve the sensory comfort of the tobacco product.

[0065] The components in the plant flavor are complex and diverse, the aroma ratio is coordinated, and the aroma effect is rich and full, thereby giving the tobacco characteristic aroma, coordinating with the tobacco original aroma, and improving the quality of the tobacco product.

[0066] In some embodiments, adding rosehip extract to tobacco products can increase aroma quality and aroma quantity, mask off-flavors, improve aftertaste, and improve sweetness. Adding fig extract to tobacco products can increase aroma quantity, increase sweet and smooth feeling of smoke, reduce irritation, and improve aftertaste, and impart unique and rich fruity aroma to tobacco products. Adding tamarind extract to tobacco products can remove off-flavors from tobacco, increase sweet and fruity aroma, and make the taste of tobacco products smooth and comfortable. Adding apple extract to tobacco products can soften smoke, enrich tobacco aroma, increase sweet and smooth feeling, and reduce irritation. Adding licorice extract to tobacco products can improve aftertaste, mask off-flavors, improve aroma quality of cigarettes, soften smoke, and soothe the throat. Adding sea buckthorn extract to tobacco products can reduce irritation of cigarettes, soften tobacco aroma, enhance aroma notes, make the taste of tobacco products sweet, and improve the comfort of cigarettes. Adding Chinese plum extract to tobacco products can make the aroma of tobacco products more delicate and soft, reduce irritation, and make the aftertaste of tobacco products mellow and comfortable. Adding passion fruit extract to tobacco products can effectively enhance aroma quality, aroma quantity, and harmony of cigarettes, reduce irritation, and improve the sensory quality of cigarettes. Adding kiwi extract to tobacco products can increase aroma, reduce irritation, improve off-flavors, increase sweet aftertaste, and improve comfort. Adding hawthorn extract to tobacco products can enhance aroma quality, mask off-flavors, improve the delicacy of smoke, and increase sweet aftertaste.

[0067] In some embodiments, the plant raw materials include one or more of fig, tamarind, monk fruit, Chinese plum, and hawthorn. Optionally, the plant raw materials further include one or more of rosehip, sea buckthorn, apple, licorice, passion fruit, and kiwi.

[0068] Different combinations and ratios of different plant raw materials can exhibit different flavor characteristics. For example, plant raw materials including fig and tamarind at a mass ratio of 1:(5-8) are beneficial to enhancing smoke density, reducing irritation, and increasing sweet and sweet and smooth feeling. Alternatively, plant raw materials including apple, licorice, and rosehip at a mass ratio of 1:(1-2):(4-6) are beneficial to increasing sweet and smooth feeling and harmony of smoke, reducing irritation, and improving aftertaste. Alternatively, plant raw materials including rosehip and licorice at a mass ratio of 3:(2-4) are beneficial to softening smoke, enriching tobacco aroma, increasing sweet and smooth feeling, and reducing irritation. Alternatively, plant raw materials including sea buckthorn and apple at a mass ratio of 1:(1-6) are beneficial to reducing irritation, softening tobacco aroma, enhancing aroma notes, and making the taste of tobacco products sweet. Alternatively, plant raw materials including hawthorn and passion fruit at a mass ratio of 5:(2-6) are beneficial to making aroma rich and thick, and increasing density. Alternatively, plant raw materials including Chinese plum and apple at a mass ratio of 1:(1-6) are beneficial to stimulating saliva secretion, reducing irritation, and increasing sweet and smooth feeling.

[0069] In some embodiments, the plant material is in powder form. For example, the plant material can be obtained by pulverizing and sieving the plant material. In some of these embodiments, the plant material can be one or more of flowers, grass, leaves, stems, fruits, roots, and peels of the plant.

[0070] Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are a binary or ternary eutectic mixture composed of a hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) or at least two hydrogen bond donors in a certain molar ratio. As a new type of green extraction solvent, DESs have the advantages of simple preparation, low volatility, low or no toxicity, low cost, biodegradability, and high extraction rate. Using DESs to replace traditional organic extraction solvents for the extraction of tobacco flavorings is not only safer and non-toxic, but also has a high extraction rate and low volatility, which is more suitable for the extraction of aroma components from flavor plants.

[0071] In some embodiments, the DES includes a first component and a second component in a molar ratio of 1:(1-6), the first component is a hydrogen bond acceptor, and the second component is a hydrogen bond donor, or the first component and the second component are both hydrogen bond donors. For example, the molar ratio of the first component and the second component can be, but is not limited to, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, or a range formed by any two of these values. Alternatively, the DES includes a first component and a second component in a molar ratio of 1:(1-3).

[0072] In some of these embodiments, the hydrogen bond acceptor includes one or more of choline chloride, betaine, and proline.

[0073] In some of these embodiments, the hydrogen bond donor includes one or more of a sugar substance, an organic acid, and a polyol. In some examples, the sugar substance includes one or more of glucose, fructose, and sucrose, the organic acid includes one or more of lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid, and the polyol includes one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, xylitol, and sorbitol.

[0074] In some of these embodiments, when the first component and the second component are both hydrogen bond donors, the first component is a sugar substance or an organic acid, the second component is a polyol, or the first component and the second component are both sugar substances, or the first component is a sugar substance and the second component is an organic acid.

[0075] In some of these embodiments, the DES includes choline chloride and citric acid, or the DES includes lactic acid and glycerol, or the DES includes fructose and glycerol, or the DES includes xylitol and fructose, or the DES includes betaine and lactic acid, or the DES includes xylitol and glucose, or the DES includes lactic acid and glucose.

[0076] In some embodiments, the eutectic solvent is prepared by mixing the first component and the second component at 70-110 °C for 1-2 h. In one example, the temperature during the preparation of the eutectic solvent can be, but is not limited to, 70 °C, 75 °C, 80 °C, 90 °C, 95 °C, 100 °C, 105 °C, 110 °C, or a range defined by any two of these values.

[0077] In some embodiments, the preparation of the eutectic solvent includes, but is not limited to, the following methods: (1) using the water bath of a rotary evaporator for heating and the rotation function for stirring, placing the first component and the second component in a rotary evaporation flask, rotating and mixing at 70-110 °C for 1-2 h until a uniform transparent liquid is formed, and storing for later use; (2) water bath heating, placing the first component and the second component in a beaker, and using a cantilever electric stirrer to stir and mix at 70-110 °C for 1-2 h until a uniform transparent liquid is formed, and storing for later use. Among them, method (1) is more convenient to operate and mix uniformly.

[0078] In some embodiments, the plant material includes Rosa roxburghii Tratt, and the eutectic solvent includes choline chloride and lactic acid at a molar ratio of 1:(1-6); or,

[0079] The plant material includes Rosa roxburghii Tratt, and the eutectic solvent includes lactic acid and glycerol at a molar ratio of 1:(1-6).

[0080] In other embodiments, the plant material includes Crataegus pinnatifida Bge., and the eutectic solvent includes lactic acid and glycerol at a molar ratio of 1:(1-6).

[0081] In other embodiments, the plant material includes Actinidia deliciosa, and the eutectic solvent includes betaine and lactic acid; or,

[0082] The plant material includes Actinidia deliciosa, and the eutectic solvent includes malic acid and glycerol.

[0083] In other embodiments, the plant material includes Ficus carica, and the eutectic solvent includes lactic acid and glucose; or,

[0084] The plant material includes Ficus carica, and the eutectic solvent includes choline chloride and sorbitol.

[0085] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1, the preparation steps of the plant flavor include steps S110, S120, and S130:

[0086] Step S110: mixing the plant material and the extraction solvent for ultrasonic extraction, wherein the extraction solvent includes the eutectic solvent and water, the mass percentage of water in the extraction solvent is 0-70%, and the mass ratio of the plant material to the extraction solvent is 1:(3-5).

[0087] Exemplarily, the mass ratio of the plant raw material and the extraction solvent can be, but is not limited to, 1:3, 1:3.2, 1:3.5, 1:3.8, 1:4, 1:3.2, 1:3.5, 1:3.8, 1:4, or a range consisting of any two of these values.

[0088] In one example, the mass percentage of water in the extraction solvent can be, but is not limited to, 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, or a range consisting of any two of these values. It can be understood that when the mass percentage of water in the extraction solvent is 0, i.e., no water is contained, the extraction solvent is a deep eutectic solvent.

[0089] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic extraction is performed at an ultrasonic power of 150 W to 300 W, an extraction temperature of 50°C to 70°C, an extraction time of 30 min to 60 min, and an extraction frequency of 1 to 2 times.

[0090] In one example, the ultrasonic power can be, but is not limited to, 150 W, 180 W, 200 W, 220 W, 250 W, 280 W, 300 W, or a range consisting of any two of these values. In one example, the extraction temperature can be, but is not limited to, 50°C, 52°C, 55°C, 58°C, 60°C, 62°C, 65°C, 68°C, 70°C, or a range consisting of any two of these values. The extraction time can be, but is not limited to, 30 min, 35 min, 40 min, 45 min, 50 min, 55 min, 60 min, or a range consisting of any two of these values.

[0091] The use of deep eutectic solvent to extract characteristic aroma components of natural spice plants, assisted by ultrasonic and heating extraction technology, is conducive to improving the extraction efficiency and obtaining plant spices with coordinated and full aroma and uniform and stable release, which can greatly improve the smoking quality of tobacco products.

[0092] Step S120: filtering after ultrasonic extraction to obtain filtrate and residue.

[0093] Step S130: washing the residue, mixing the obtained washing liquid with the filtrate, and concentrating to prepare plant spices.

[0094] In some embodiments, the residue is washed with water. In one example, the mass of water is 1 to 3 times the mass of the residue.

[0095] In some embodiments, in the step of concentration, a reduced pressure concentration method is used.

[0096] Fig. 1 is a flowchart of a method for preparing a plant flavor according to an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that although the steps in the flowchart of Fig. 1 are shown in a sequence following the arrows, the steps are not necessarily performed in the order indicated by the arrows, unless otherwise specified herein. The steps can be performed in other sequences, and there is no strict sequence limitation for the performance of the steps, unless otherwise specified herein. At least some of the steps in Fig. 1 can include multiple sub-steps or stages, which are not necessarily performed at the same time, but can be performed at different times, and the order of performance of the sub-steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed in rotation or alternation with at least some of the other steps or other sub-steps or stages.

[0097] In a second aspect, the present application provides use of the plant flavor as described above in the preparation of a tobacco product.

[0098] In the first aspect, the plant flavor and the method for preparing the plant flavor are as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0099] In some embodiments, the mass percentage of the plant flavor in the tobacco product is 0.1% to 3%. For example, the mass percentage of the plant flavor in the tobacco product can be, but is not limited to, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, or a range formed by any two of these values.

[0100] It can be understood that the tobacco product can also contain other commonly used raw materials.

[0101] In some embodiments, the tobacco product is one of a cigarette, an aerosol, and a heat-not-burn tobacco product.

[0102] In a third aspect, the present application provides a tobacco product comprising the plant flavor of the first aspect.

[0103] The tobacco product described above comprises a plant flavor prepared by mixing and extracting plant raw materials with a deep eutectic solvent. The plant raw materials comprise one or more of Rosa roxburghii, Ficus carica, tamarind, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus domestica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Momordica charantia, Fructus Mume, Passiflora edulis, Actinidia deliciosa, and Crataegus pinnatifida. The aroma components in the plant raw materials are extracted using a deep eutectic solvent, which is safer and non-toxic than traditional organic solvents, and improves the extraction rate of the plant raw materials. At the same time, the low volatility of the deep eutectic solvent itself also allows better preservation of the aroma components. When applied to a tobacco product, the tobacco product not only has plant characteristic flavors, but also coordinates with the original aroma of the tobacco product. At the same time, the tobacco product can increase the richness, fullness, and consistency of the smoke, and improve the sensory comfort of the tobacco product.

[0104] In some embodiments, the mass percentage of the plant flavor in the tobacco product is 0.1% to 3%. For example, the mass percentage of the plant flavor in the tobacco product can be, but is not limited to, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, or a range between any two of these values.

[0105] It can be understood that other commonly used raw materials can also be contained in the tobacco product.

[0106] In some embodiments, the tobacco product is one of a cigarette, an aerosol, and a heat-not-burn tobacco product.

[0107] In order to make the purposes and advantages of the present application more clear, the plant flavor, the tobacco product, and the effects thereof of the present application are further described in detail below in combination with specific examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are only used to explain the present application and should not be used to limit the present application. The following examples do not include other components except for unavoidable impurities, unless otherwise specified. In the examples, the drugs and instruments are selected according to the conventional selection in the art, unless otherwise specified. The experimental methods in the examples are implemented according to the conventional conditions, for example, the conditions described in the literature, books, or the methods recommended by the manufacturers.

[0108] Example 1

[0109] This example provides a plant flavor, and the preparation steps are as follows:

[0110] (1) The Rosa roxburghii Tratt is crushed and passed through a 20-mesh sieve to obtain Rosa roxburghii Tratt powder.

[0111] (2) The hydrogen bond acceptor choline chloride and the hydrogen bond donor glycerol are added to a rotary evaporation flask in a molar ratio of 1:2. Under the condition that the water bath temperature is 80°C and the rotation speed is 60 rpm, the rotary mixing is performed for 1.5 h to form a uniform transparent liquid, i.e., a deep eutectic solvent, which is cooled for standby use.

[0112] (3) The deep eutectic solvent prepared in step (2) is mixed with water to obtain a deep eutectic solvent with a water content of 20% (i.e., the mass percentage of water in the deep eutectic solvent obtained by mixing the deep eutectic solvent with water is 20%). The deep eutectic solvent with a water content of 20% is mixed with the Rosa roxburghii Tratt powder obtained in step (1) at a mass ratio of 4:1 to obtain a mixture. The mixture is subjected to ultrasonic extraction at an ultrasonic power of 300 W, an extraction temperature of 55°C, an extraction time of 60 min, and an extraction frequency of 1 time. The obtained extraction liquid is filtered, the filter residue is washed with 2 times the amount of water, the filtrate and the washing liquid are combined, and the combined solution is concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain a concentrated liquid, which is the plant flavor of this example.

[0113] Example 2

[0114] The present embodiment provides a plant flavor, and the preparation steps are as follows:

[0115] (1) Figs and tamarind were respectively crushed to obtain figs and tamarind fragments. The figs and tamarind fragments were mixed uniformly at a mass ratio of 1:5 to obtain a plant raw material.

[0116] (2) The raw materials of the eutectic solvent, lactic acid and glycerol, were mixed in a beaker at a molar ratio of 1:3. Under the conditions of a water bath temperature of 80°C and a mechanical arm rotation speed of 100 rpm, the mixture was stirred for 2 h to form a uniform transparent liquid, i.e., a eutectic solvent, which was cooled for standby use.

[0117] (3) The eutectic solvent obtained in step (2) above and the plant raw material obtained in step (1) above were mixed at a mass ratio of 5:1 and stirred to obtain a mixture. The mixture was subjected to ultrasonic extraction at an ultrasonic power of 300 W, an extraction temperature of 55°C, an extraction time of 60 min, and an extraction frequency of 1 time. The obtained extraction liquid was filtered through a 200-mesh filter cloth, the filter residue was washed with 3 times the amount of water, the filtrate and the washing liquid were combined, and a rotary evaporator was used for vacuum concentration to obtain a concentrate, i.e., the plant flavor of the present embodiment.

[0118] Embodiments 3-9

[0119] Embodiments 3-9 each provide a plant flavor, and the preparation steps are similar to those of Embodiments 1 and 2, with the difference being that the selection and ratio of the plant raw material, the composition of the eutectic solvent, the water content of the eutectic solvent, the solid-liquid ratio (i.e., the mass ratio of the plant raw material to the extraction solvent), the extraction time, and the extraction temperature, etc. process parameters are different, and the specific details are shown in Table 1.

[0120] Table 1 Process parameters of plant flavor preparation method

[0121] Seven experts were organized to conduct evaluation and analysis, and the plant flavors obtained in the above embodiments were added to the cigarette "Hongtashan Classic 100" (Hongta Tobacco Group Co., Ltd.) at a mass percentage of 0.1% for sensory evaluation according to YC / T 496-2014 "Cigarette Sensory Comfort Evaluation Method" and GB 5606.4-2005 "Cigarette Part 4: Sensory Technical Requirements". The sensory evaluation results are shown in Table 2. The sensory evaluation score is the average score of the scores obtained by the 7 experts. Among them, Comparative Example 1 is the blank cigarette "Hongtashan Classic 100" (Hongta Tobacco Group Co., Ltd.) without adding plant flavor.

[0122] Table 2 Sensory evaluation results of cigarettes

[0123] Seven experts were organized to make analysis, and reference was made to YC / T 138-1998 "Tobacco and Tobacco Products Sensory Evaluation Method", the plant flavor obtained in the above examples was added in the tobacco flavor atomization liquid in an addition amount of 1% by mass for sensory evaluation. The sensory evaluation results are shown in Table 3. Among them, Comparative Example 1 is a blank tobacco flavor atomization liquid (internally self-made) without adding plant flavor. Specifically, the formula of the tobacco flavor atomization liquid is as follows: Baoshan tobacco extract: Yunyan 87 tobacco extract: Burley tobacco extract: PG (propylene glycol) = 5:5:10:80 (mass ratio). Among them, the preparation method of Baoshan tobacco extract is as follows: Baoshan tobacco is ground through a 10-mesh sieve, and 60% ethanol is used for reflux extraction, the solid-liquid ratio is 1:10, the extraction temperature is 85°C, and the extraction is carried out twice, and the filtrate is concentrated to obtain Baoshan tobacco extract. The preparation method of Yunyan 87 tobacco extract is as follows: Yunyan 87 is ground through a 10-mesh sieve, and 75% ethanol is used for reflux extraction, the solid-liquid ratio is 1:10, the extraction temperature is 85°C, and the extraction is carried out twice, and the filtrate is concentrated to obtain Yunyan 87 tobacco extract. The preparation method of Burley tobacco extract is as follows: Burley tobacco is ground through a 10-mesh sieve, and 80% ethanol is used for reflux extraction, the solid-liquid ratio is 1:10, the extraction temperature is 85°C, and the extraction is carried out twice, and the filtrate is concentrated to obtain Burley tobacco extract.

[0124] Table 3 Sensory evaluation of tobacco flavor atomization liquid

[0125] As can be seen from Table 2, by matching plant raw materials and using different combinations of eutectic solvent for ultrasonic extraction, the plant flavor obtained can impart special aroma to cigarettes, and the aroma is coordinated with the tobacco aroma, and has the effects of reducing bitterness and increasing richness.

[0126] As can be seen from Table 3, the plant flavor obtained in each example can enrich the tobacco aroma of the tobacco flavor atomization liquid and increase the sweetness of the tobacco flavor atomization liquid.

[0127] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, and in order to make the description simple, all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are not described, however, as long as the combinations of the technical features do not exist contradictory, they should be considered as the scope of the description.

[0128] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation manners of the present application, the description is more specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as a limitation on the patent scope of the application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary skilled persons in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of the present application should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tobacco product, wherein, The plant flavor is prepared by mixing and extracting a plant material with a deep eutectic solvent, the plant material comprising one or more of Rosa roxburghii, Ficus carica, tamarind, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus domestica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Siraitia grosvenorii, Prunus mume, Passiflora edulis, Actinidia deliciosa and Crataegus pinnatifida.

2. The tobacco article according to claim 1, wherein, The deep eutectic solvent comprises a first component and a second component in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-6), the first component being a hydrogen bond acceptor and the second component being a hydrogen bond donor, or both the first component and the second component being hydrogen bond donors.

3. The tobacco article according to claim 2, wherein, The deep eutectic solvent comprises a first component and a second component in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-3).

4. A tobacco article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The hydrogen bond acceptor comprises one or more of choline chloride, betaine and proline.

5. A tobacco product according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein, The hydrogen bond donor comprises one or more of a sugar substance, an organic acid and a polyhydric alcohol.

6. The tobacco article according to claim 5, wherein, The sugar substance comprises one or more of glucose, fructose and sucrose, the organic acid comprises one or more of lactic acid, citric acid and malic acid, and the polyhydric alcohol comprises one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, xylitol and sorbitol.

7. A tobacco product according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein, When both the first component and the second component are hydrogen bond donors, the first component is a sugar substance or an organic acid, the second component is a polyhydric alcohol, or both the first component and the second component are sugar substances, or the first component is a sugar substance and the second component is an organic acid.

8. A tobacco product according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein, The deep eutectic solvent is prepared by mixing and stirring the first component and the second component at about 70-110°C for about 1-2 hours.

9. A tobacco product according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein, The deep eutectic solvent comprises choline chloride and citric acid, or lactic acid and glycerol, or fructose and glycerol, or xylitol and fructose, or betaine and lactic acid, or xylitol and glucose, or lactic acid and glucose.

10. A tobacco product according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein, The plant material comprises Rosa roxburghii, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises choline chloride and lactic acid in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-6); or The plant material comprises Rosa roxburghii, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises lactic acid and glycerol in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-6); or The plant material comprises Crataegus pinnatifida, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises lactic acid and glycerol in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-6).

11. A tobacco product according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein, The plant flavor is prepared by the following steps: The plant material is mixed with an extraction solvent for ultrasonic extraction, the extraction solvent comprising the deep eutectic solvent and water, the mass percentage of water in the extraction solvent being about 0-70%, and the mass ratio of the plant material to the extraction solvent being about 1:(3-5); After ultrasonic extraction, the mixture is filtered to obtain a filtrate and a residue; The residue is washed, and the washing liquid is mixed with the filtrate, and then concentrated to prepare the plant flavor.

12. The tobacco article according to claim 11, wherein, During ultrasonic extraction, the ultrasonic power is about 150-300W, the extraction temperature is about 50-70°C, the extraction time is about 30-60 minutes, and the extraction is performed once or twice.

13. A tobacco product according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein, In the tobacco product, the mass percentage of the plant flavor is about 0.1%-3%.

14. A tobacco product according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein, The tobacco product is one of a cigarette, an atomized liquid, and a heat-not-burn tobacco product.

15. A plant flavoring wherein, The plant flavor is prepared by mixing and extracting a plant material with a deep eutectic solvent, the plant material comprising one or more of Rosa roxburghii, Ficus carica, tamarind, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus domestica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Siraitia grosvenorii, Prunus mume, Passiflora edulis, Actinidia deliciosa, and Crataegus pinnatifida.

16. The botanical flavor of claim 15, wherein, The plant material comprises one or more of Ficus carica, tamarind, Siraitia grosvenorii, Prunus mume, and Crataegus pinnatifida.

17. The botanical flavor of claim 16, wherein, The plant material further comprises one or more of Rosa roxburghii, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus domestica, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Passiflora edulis, and Actinidia deliciosa.

18. A plant flavor according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The deep eutectic solvent comprises a first component and a second component in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-6), the first component being a hydrogen bond acceptor, and the second component being a hydrogen bond donor, or both the first component and the second component being hydrogen bond donors.

19. The botanical flavor of claim 18, wherein, The deep eutectic solvent comprises a first component and a second component in a molar ratio of about 1:(1-3).

20. The plant flavor according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, The hydrogen bond acceptor comprises one or more of choline chloride, betaine, and proline.

21. A plant flavour according to any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein, The hydrogen bond donor comprises one or more of a sugar substance, an organic acid, and a polyhydric alcohol.

22. The plant flavor of claim 21, wherein, The sugar substance comprises one or more of glucose, fructose, and sucrose, the organic acid comprises one or more of lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid, and the polyhydric alcohol comprises one or more of propylene glycol, glycerol, xylitol, and sorbitol.

23. A plant flavour according to any one of claims 18 to 22 wherein, When both the first component and the second component are hydrogen bond donors, the first component is a sugar substance or an organic acid, the second component is a polyhydric alcohol, or both the first component and the second component are sugar substances, or the first component is a sugar substance and the second component is an organic acid.

24. A plant flavour according to any one of claims 18 to 23 wherein, The deep eutectic solvent is prepared by mixing and stirring the first component and the second component at about 70-110°C for about 1-2h.

25. A plant flavour according to any one of claims 15 to 24 wherein, The plant material comprises Actinidia deliciosa, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises betaine and lactic acid; or The plant material comprises Actinidia deliciosa, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises malic acid and glycerol; or The plant material comprises Ficus carica, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises lactic acid and glucose; or The plant material comprises Ficus carica, and the deep eutectic solvent comprises choline chloride and sorbitol.

26. A plant flavour according to any one of claims 15 to 25 wherein, The preparation of the plant flavor comprises: mixing the plant material and an extraction solvent for ultrasonic extraction, wherein the extraction solvent comprises the deep eutectic solvent and water, the mass percentage of water in the extraction solvent is about 0-70%, and the mass ratio of the plant material to the extraction solvent is about 1:(3-5); filtering after ultrasonic extraction to obtain a filtrate and a filter residue; washing the filter residue, mixing the obtained washing liquid with the filtrate, and concentrating to prepare the plant flavor.

27. The plant flavor of claim 26, wherein, During the ultrasonic extraction, the ultrasonic power is about 150-300W, the extraction temperature is about 50-70°C, the extraction time is about 30-60min, and the extraction frequency is 1-2 times. ​ 29. The use according to claim 28, wherein, ​ 30. The use according to claim 28 or 29, wherein, The tobacco product is one of a cigarette, an atomized liquid, and a heat-not-burn tobacco product.

Images