Use of aromatic water compositions in the preparation of feed additives for improving poultry growth performance and enhancing meat quality.

Abstract

This invention discloses an essential oil composition prepared from aromatic waters extracted from turmeric and chuanxiong, wherein the raw material composition is: turmeric aromatic water and chuanxiong aromatic water in a ratio ranging from 1.0 to 10: 1.0 to 10.0 based on the raw materials turmeric and chuanxiong. This invention provides the use of this essential oil composition in the preparation of feed additives for improving poultry growth performance and enhancing meat quality.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application No. 202311447601.2, titled "Essential Oil Composition for Preventing and Treating Blood Stasis Syndrome and Its Use", filed on November 2, 2023. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to an essential oil composition for preventing and treating blood stasis syndrome. BACKGROUND

[0003] Blood stasis syndrome refers to the stagnation of blood in the meridians or organs, which leads to the accumulation of blood in the body. It is a common clinical symptom and can be seen in many diseases.

[0004] According to the "Discussion on Regulating the Menstrual Cycle" in the "Plain Questions", "All that a person has is blood and qi". Qi is yang and is responsible for warming and nourishing, while blood is yin and is responsible for moistening and nourishing. Both qi and blood are mainly derived from the refined nutrients produced by the spleen and stomach. Blood flows through the meridians, internally to the viscera, and externally to the skin, without leaving any place untouched. Blood can generate qi and carry it, and blood is the mother of qi. Qi can generate blood, move blood, and control bleeding, and qi is the commander of blood. Both of them depend on each other and mutually promote each other, and together maintain and promote life activities.

[0005] Blood stasis cannot flow freely, either due to qi or due to evil, which leads to the obstruction of meridians, the disorder of qi movement, and the stagnation of blood, resulting in pain due to obstruction. For example, if emotions are not expressed, qi movement is not smooth, and abdominal qi accumulates, it can eventually lead to blood flow obstruction, internal accumulation of blood stasis, and the formation of abdominal masses from small to large. For another example, if the body's vital energy is deficient and the viscera are out of balance, it can lead to the accumulation of phlegm and blood, causing lipid metabolism disorder, and the accumulation of phlegm and blood in the blood vessels, leading to the obstruction of blood flow, the internal accumulation of blood stasis, and the difficulty of blood microelements to nourish the blood, resulting in the dryness of blood vessels and the incoordination of blood vessels. In addition, the accumulation of phlegm and blood can lead to atherosclerosis. For another example, the invasion of wind, cold, and dampness into the body can lead to the obstruction of blood flow and the imbalance of meridians, resulting in wind, cold, and dampness arthralgia, and eventually leading to internal accumulation of blood stasis, joint swelling and deformity, and subcutaneous nodules, becoming chronic arthralgia and deformity. Therefore, blood stasis is related to many diseases such as low back pain, dysmenorrhea, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, and tumors. According to the TCM theory of "treating different diseases with the same method", blood stasis syndrome in different diseases can be treated with the method of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

[0006] Traditional Chinese medicine volatile oil, also known as essential oil, is an indispensable active ingredient of aromatic traditional Chinese medicine, which usually has strong pharmacological activity, and is aromatic, pungent, warm, and smooth, can promote blood circulation, and can activate collaterals. Volatile oil molecules are small, have high volatility and strong lipid solubility, can easily penetrate biological membranes in the body, have high bioavailability, and can be quickly absorbed and take effect. Research has found that aromatic essential oil can rapidly act on specific parts of the body through gastrointestinal absorption, topical skin application, nasal administration, oral mucosa, and other routes, and can be used for the prevention and treatment of diseases, and is suitable for the prevention and treatment of blood stasis syndrome.

[0007] Application No.: CN202011179271.X, Invention Title: Compound Essential Oil Traditional Chinese Medicine Composition for Improving Cardiovascular Problems, Preparation Method, and Application. This invention discloses a compound essential oil traditional Chinese medicine composition for improving cardiovascular problems, its preparation method, and its application. The composition comprises the following components in the indicated weight ratios: 1-20 parts of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, 1-15 parts of Angelica sinensis essential oil, 1-10 parts of Styrax benzoin essential oil, and 5 parts of Boswellia carterii essential oil. The compound essential oil of this invention contains the following ingredients: 1-15 parts of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, 5-15 parts of myrrh essential oil, 1-10 parts of cinnamon essential oil, 2-20 parts of Dalbergia odorifera essential oil, 3-20 parts of turmeric essential oil, 3-15 parts of Cyperus rotundus essential oil, 1-10 parts of sandalwood essential oil, 5-25 parts of benzoin essential oil, 3-10 parts of Acorus tatarinowii essential oil, 1-8 parts of valerian essential oil, 5-20 parts of lavender essential oil, 3-15 parts of borneol, and 95-100 parts of carrier oil. When used in combination at specific dosages, this compound essential oil can effectively improve heart rate and has a protective effect on the heart. Although this formula combines many Chinese herbal essential oils, its effect is singular, only used to improve cardiovascular problems, and the large variety and dosage of essential oils result in high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides an essential oil composition for preventing and treating blood stasis syndrome. Another aspect of the present invention provides the uses of this composition.

[0009] This invention provides an essential oil composition for preventing and treating blood stasis syndrome. It is prepared from essential oils or aromatic waters extracted from turmeric and chuanxiong, wherein the raw material composition is as follows:

[0010] Turmeric essential oil 1.0-10.0 parts, Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil 1.0-10 parts;

[0011] The ratio of turmeric aromatic water and chuanxiong aromatic water, based on the raw materials turmeric and chuanxiong, is 1.0~10:1.0~10.0.

[0012] More preferably, it is composed of raw materials in the following weight ratio:

[0013] Turmeric essential oil 5.0 parts, Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil 5.0 parts;

[0014] or

[0015] The ratio of turmeric aromatic water and chuanxiong aromatic water, based on the raw materials turmeric and chuanxiong, is 1.0:1.0.

[0016] This invention provides an essential oil composition for preventing and treating blood stasis syndrome. The raw materials contain the aforementioned essential oil composition and osmanthus essential oil, with the following weight ratio: 1.0-10.0 parts of turmeric essential oil, 1.0-10 parts of chuanxiong essential oil, and 0.1-1.0 parts of osmanthus essential oil.

[0017] More preferably, the weight ratio of the raw materials is as follows:

[0018] 5.0 parts turmeric essential oil, 5.0 parts chuanxiong essential oil, and 0.3 parts osmanthus essential oil.

[0019] This invention also provides an essential oil composition for preventing and treating blood stasis syndrome, wherein the raw materials contain the aforementioned essential oil composition, angelica essential oil, and cyperus essential oil, in the following weight ratio:

[0020] Turmeric essential oil 1.0-10.0 parts, Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil 1.0-10 parts, Angelica sinensis essential oil 0.5-5.0 parts, Cyperus rotundus essential oil 0.5-5.0 parts.

[0021] More preferably, the weight ratio of the raw materials is: 5.0 parts of turmeric essential oil, 5.0 parts of chuanxiong essential oil, 2.0 parts of angelica essential oil, and 2.0 parts of cyperus essential oil.

[0022] This invention provides an essential oil composition for preventing and treating blood stasis syndrome. The raw materials contain the aforementioned essential oil composition, angelica essential oil, cyperus essential oil, and mugwort essential oil, with the following weight ratio:

[0023] Turmeric essential oil 1.0-10.0 parts, Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil 1.0-10 parts, Osmanthus essential oil 0.1-1.0 parts, Angelica sinensis essential oil 0.5-5.0 parts, Cyperus rotundus essential oil 0.5-5.0 parts, Artemisia argyi essential oil 0.2-2.0 parts.

[0024] More preferably, the weight ratio of the raw materials is as follows: 5.0 parts of turmeric essential oil, 5.0 parts of chuanxiong essential oil, 0.3 parts of osmanthus essential oil, 2.0 parts of angelica essential oil, 2.0 parts of cyperus essential oil, and 0.5 parts of mugwort essential oil.

[0025] The present invention also provides a composition for preventing and treating blood stasis syndrome, which is prepared by adding the composition as the active ingredient and excipients or auxiliary ingredients acceptable in pharmaceuticals, health products, foods, and daily necessities to form a commonly used preparation; the preparation is an oral preparation, an inhaled preparation, or a topical preparation; the topical preparation is administered via topical application, massage, or acupoint application.

[0026] The present invention also provides the use of the aforementioned essential oil composition in the preparation of medicines, health products, food, and daily necessities for the prevention and treatment of blood stasis syndrome.

[0027] The drugs mentioned are for preventing and treating stroke due to qi deficiency and blood stasis, angina pectoris combined with hyperlipidemia, knee arthritis, and relieving symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea; or the health products mentioned are for assisting in lowering blood lipids, assisting in lowering blood pressure, and relieving physical fatigue.

[0028] The present invention also provides the use of the essential oil composition in the preparation of feed additives for improving the growth performance and meat quality of poultry.

[0029] In the formulation of this invention, Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil is warm in nature and pungent in taste. It ascends to the top of the head and descends to the blood, invigorating blood circulation, dispelling wind, and relieving pain. It was praised by the ancients as a "qi-regulating medicine in the blood." It can protect vascular endothelial cells, significantly dilate coronary arteries, inhibit abnormal smooth muscle proliferation, protect myocardial cells from damage, and lower blood triglycerides, thus significantly exerting lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Turmeric essential oil is pungent, bitter, and cold in nature. It can disperse and regulate menstruation, clear heat, invigorate blood circulation, relieve pain, and promote qi circulation. It can invigorate blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and cool the blood. It can promote blood circulation by reducing blood viscosity, inhibiting platelet aggregation, preventing thrombosis, and dilating blood vessels. Angelica sinensis essential oil invigorates blood, nourishes blood, regulates menstruation, and relieves pain. It can promote the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells; protect the cardiovascular system, dilate coronary arteries, increase coronary blood flow, and lower blood lipids. Osmanthus essential oil can invigorate blood circulation, regulate qi, relieve pain, dispel blood stasis and phlegm, warm the middle jiao and dispel cold. It can lower blood pressure, improve immunity, promote metabolism, and relieve fatigue, headaches, and menstrual cramps. Cyperus rotundus essential oil soothes the liver, regulates qi, and relieves menstrual pain. When combined with Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, it can both regulate qi and invigorate blood, helping to harmonize qi. Artemisia argyi essential oil regulates qi and blood, dispels cold and dampness, warms the meridians, unblocks collaterals, and relieves pain. It can improve local circulation and enhance immunity.

[0030] The above essential oils are scientifically formulated and work synergistically to promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, replenish blood and regulate qi, and relieve pain. They can effectively prevent and treat various diseases caused by blood stasis, are highly safe, easy to use, have a pleasant aroma, and high patient compliance. The compound essential oils have a mild and rich aroma and significant effects on cardiovascular diseases, rheumatic pain, and dysmenorrhea caused by blood stasis. The compound essential oils can significantly improve and treat nerve dysfunction in stroke patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis, improve lipid levels in hyperlipidemia, improve and treat angina symptoms, reduce the frequency and duration of angina attacks, relieve pain in knee osteoarthritis, improve knee joint function, and improve and treat dysmenorrhea symptoms. They can be used as medicines, health products, feed additives, and daily chemical products. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Example 1: Extraction and formulation of raw materials in the essential oil composition of the present invention

[0032] In the formulation of this invention, the essential oils and aromatic waters of the whole plants of turmeric and chuanxiong are extracted using steam distillation or redistillation. The other single essential oils are extracted using methods such as steam distillation, molecular distillation, supercritical CO2 extraction, maceration, extraction, and redistillation.

[0033] Turmeric essential oil and aromatic water were extracted using a redistillation method: The whole turmeric plant was chopped and ground into coarse powder. 5 kg of the coarse turmeric plant powder was taken, and 10 times the amount of water was added. The mixture was soaked for 0.5 hours, heated to a boil, and the distilled water was collected by reflux and condensation to 20 L. Heating was then stopped. The distilled water was redistilled, and the redistilled water was collected by reflux and condensation to 10 L. Heating was then stopped. The distilled water was refrigerated for 24 hours, and the oil and water were separated to collect the turmeric essential oil and aromatic water.

[0034] The essential oil and aromatic water extract of Ligusticum chuanxiong are the same as those of Curcuma longa.

[0035] Artemisia argyi essential oil, Angelica sinensis essential oil, and Cyperus rotundus essential oil were extracted in the laboratory using steam distillation. The Angelica sinensis and Cyperus rotundus herbs were crushed, and the Artemisia argyi was chopped and placed in a volatile oil extraction tank. Steam distillation was carried out for 2-4 hours. After standing for a period of time, the oil and water were separated in an oil-water separator, and the volatile oil was collected.

[0036] Osmanthus essential oil was extracted using a combination of low-temperature extraction and distillation methods and was purchased from Chengdu Fangzhiyuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

[0037] Prepare the compound essential oil according to the following formula:

[0038] Compound essential oil 1: 1.0-10.0 parts turmeric essential oil, 1.0-10 parts chuanxiong essential oil; the preferred ratio is: 5.0 parts turmeric essential oil, 5.0 parts chuanxiong essential oil.

[0039] Compound Essential Oil 2: 1.0-10.0 parts turmeric essential oil, 1.0-10 parts chuanxiong essential oil, and 0.1-1.0 parts osmanthus essential oil; the preferred ratio is: 5.0 parts turmeric essential oil, 5.0 parts chuanxiong essential oil, and 0.3 parts osmanthus essential oil.

[0040] Compound Essential Oil 3: 1.0-10.0 parts turmeric essential oil, 1.0-10 parts chuanxiong essential oil, 0.5-5.0 parts angelica essential oil, and 0.5-5.0 parts cyperus essential oil; the preferred ratio is: 5.0 parts turmeric essential oil, 5.0 parts chuanxiong essential oil, 2.0 parts angelica essential oil, and 2.0 parts cyperus essential oil.

[0041] Compound Essential Oil 4: 1.0-10.0 parts turmeric essential oil, 1.0-10 parts chuanxiong essential oil, 0.1-1.0 parts osmanthus essential oil, 0.5-5.0 parts angelica essential oil, 0.5-5.0 parts cyperus essential oil, and 0.2-2.0 parts mugwort essential oil; Optimal formula ratio: 5.0 parts turmeric essential oil, 5.0 parts chuanxiong essential oil, 0.3 parts osmanthus essential oil, 2.0 parts angelica essential oil, 2.0 parts cyperus essential oil, and 0.5 parts mugwort essential oil.

[0042] When blending essential oil components, the dosage must be carefully considered, taking into account the therapeutic effects, aroma, properties, safety, and irritancy of the blended essential oil. For example, Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil has a strong initial medicinal aroma; adding too much will reduce the pleasantness of the initial aroma in the blended essential oil. Artemisia argyi essential oil contains α-thujone, which has neurotoxicity; excessive dosage can cause nerve inhibition. Excessive addition of Cyperus rotundus essential oil will affect the clarity of the blended essential oil.

[0043] Preliminary efficacy tests screened the compatibility ratio of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Curcuma longa essential oils. The ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 were selected. A 1:1 ratio showed the best recovery in activity, mental state, and claw and coat color in animals with qi deficiency and blood stasis, while a 1:3 ratio showed the worst recovery. In a swimming exhaustion test, a 1:1 ratio of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Curcuma longa essential oils resulted in the longest sustained swimming time, while a 1:3 ratio resulted in the shortest sustained swimming time.

[0044] The beneficial effects of the present invention are demonstrated below through pharmacodynamics or clinical trials.

[0045] Experimental Example 1: Effects of the essential oil composition of the present invention on rats with qi deficiency and blood stasis.

[0046] A rat model of qi deficiency and blood stasis was induced by a combination of a high-fat diet and swimming exhaustion. Serum TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); serum NO, SOD, and TXB2 levels were measured using an ELISA method; and whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity were measured using an automated hemorheology analyzer.

[0047] 1. Replicating a rat model of qi deficiency and blood stasis

[0048] Rats were fed a high-fat diet (formula: 2% cholesterol, 15% lard, 15% egg yolk powder and 68% basal diet) for 4 weeks and then subjected to a swimming exhaustion experiment for 2 weeks. The rats swam in a pool with a water temperature of 16-18℃ until exhaustion (the rats sank naturally and stopped when their noses were submerged in the water for 10 seconds). The high-fat diet was maintained during the exhaustion swimming period.

[0049] The rats exhibited symptoms of blood stasis, such as dull, dry, and easily falling-off fur, decreased activity, lethargy, dark red or pale purple tongue, dark red eyes, bluish spots on the tail, and dark purple claws or subcutaneous ecchymosis, indicating successful model establishment.

[0050] 2. Experimental grouping and administration methods

[0051] One hundred and twenty SPF-grade male SD rats, weighing 200±2g, were housed in the laboratory for three days and randomly divided into four groups: a blank control group, a model group, a turmeric aromatic water group, a chuanxiong aromatic water group, a compound aromatic water group (turmeric-chuanxiong 5:5), a turmeric essential oil group, a chuanxiong essential oil group, a compound essential oil group 1 (turmeric essential oil-chuanxiong essential oil 5:5), a compound essential oil group 2 (turmeric essential oil-chuanxiong essential oil-osmanthus essential oil 5:5:0.3), a compound essential oil group 3 (turmeric essential oil-chuanxiong essential oil-angelica essential oil-cyperus essential oil 5:5:2:2), a compound essential oil group 4 (turmeric essential oil-chuanxiong essential oil-osmanthus essential oil-angelica essential oil-cyperus essential oil-artemisia essential oil 5:5:0.3:2:2:0.5), and a positive control group (atorvastatin). Ten rats were included in each group.

[0052] Rats in the control group were fed normally. Rats in the model and experimental groups were used to establish a rat model of qi deficiency and blood stasis according to the above method. After modeling, all rats were fed normally. The control and model groups were administered 2.0% Tween water by gavage; the aromatic water group was administered aromatic water by gavage; the essential oil group was diluted with 2.0% Tween water to a concentration of 5.0 mg / ml; and the positive control group (atorvastatin) was dissolved in 2.0% Tween water to a concentration of 0.2 mg / ml. All groups were administered the drug by gavage at a dose of 10.0 ml / kg once daily. Two weeks after drug administration, the rats were anesthetized, and two tubes of blood were collected from the abdominal aorta. One tube was used to determine the serum levels of TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, NO, SOD, and TXB2; the other tube was used to determine whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity.

[0053] 3. Effects on Qi-deficient and blood-stasis rats: experimental results and conclusions

[0054] Compared with the control group, the serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in the model group were significantly increased, while the HDL-C level was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). After 14 days of administration, compared with the model group, the serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in the compound aromatic water group, essential oil group, and atorvastatin positive control group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01); the HDL-C levels in the compound essential oil group and atorvastatin group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the positive control group, there was no significant difference between compound essential oil 1, compound essential oil 2, and compound essential oil 3 and the positive control group, while compound essential oil 4 was superior to the positive control group. Comparing the two single essential oils, turmeric essential oil was slightly superior to chuanxiong essential oil. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0055] Table 1. Effects of aromatic water and essential oils on serum TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels in rats with Qi deficiency and blood stasis. Compared with the model group, * P < 0.05 ** P < 0.01; compared with the control group, # P < 0.05 ## P < 0.01;

[0056] Compared to atorvastatin, & P < 0.05 && P < 0.01.

[0057] Compared with the control group, the serum TXB2 level in the model group was significantly increased, while the NO and SOD levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). After 14 days of administration, compared with the model group, the serum TXB2 level in the compound aromatic water group, essential oil group, and positive control drug atorvastatin group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the NO level was significantly increased (P < 0.05); the SOD level in the compound essential oil group and atorvastatin group was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the positive control drug group, there was no significant difference between the compound essential water group and the positive control drug group. Comparing the two single essential oils, Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil was slightly better than Curcuma longa essential oil. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0058] Table 2. Effects of aromatic water and essential oils on serum TXB2, NO, and SOD levels in rats with Qi deficiency and blood stasis.

[0059]

[0060] Compared with the model group, * P < 0.05 ** P < 0.01; compared with the control group, # P < 0.05 ## P < 0.01;

[0061] Compared to atorvastatin, & P < 0.05 && P < 0.01.

[0062] Compared with the control group, the whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity of rats in the model group were significantly increased (P < 0.01). After 14 days of administration, the whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity of the essential oil group and the positive control drug atorvastatin group were significantly decreased compared with the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the positive control drug group, there were no significant differences between compound essential oil 2, compound essential oil 3, and compound essential oil 4 and the positive control drug group. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0063] Table 3. Effects of aromatic water and essential oil on whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity in rats with qi deficiency and blood stasis.

[0064]

[0065] Compared with the model group, * P < 0.05 ** P < 0.01; compared with the control group, # P < 0.05 ## P < 0.01;

[0066] Compared to atorvastatin, &P < 0.05 && P < 0.01.

[0067] The aromatic water and essential oils of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Curcuma longa have a regulatory effect on dyslipidemia, and protect the cardiovascular system by reducing TXB2 levels and increasing NO and SOD levels. The essential oils are more effective than the aromatic waters, and the combined effect of the two is enhanced.

[0068] Experimental Example 2: Effects of the aromatic water composition of the present invention on the growth performance and meat quality of poultry

[0069] Broilers were fed with aromatic water instead of regular drinking water. The effects on growth performance were evaluated using average daily feed intake, average daily feed gain, and feed conversion ratio. The effects on slaughter performance were evaluated using dressing percentage, eviscerated portion, breast muscle percentage, leg muscle percentage, and abdominal fat percentage. pH was also considered. 45min pH value 24h The effects of value, drip loss rate, muscle color, and shear force on meat quality were evaluated.

[0070] 1. Experimental grouping and feeding methods

[0071] The experiment was conducted at a broiler farm in Chengdu. Two hundred and forty 1-day-old AA broiler chicks (half males and half females) in good health and weighing 40±2g were selected. They were randomly divided into four groups, with six replicates per group and ten chicks per replicate. The experiment lasted for 42 days. The experimental chickens had free access to feed and water. The control group was given drinking water, while the experimental groups were given aromatic water containing Ligusticum chuanxiong, aromatic water containing Curcuma longa, and a compound aromatic water (based on the ratio of raw materials: Ligusticum chuanxiong: Curcuma longa 1:1). Feeding and management followed the "Broiler Chicken Farming Manual".

[0072] 2. Measurement Indicators and Methods

[0073] 2.1 Growth performance

[0074] During the experiment, the health status of the broilers was observed daily, and the amount of feed fed and the amount of feed left over were accurately recorded each day. The broilers were weighed on an empty stomach at 1 and 42 days of age (feeding was stopped but water was not stopped the night before), and the average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (F / G) were calculated.

[0075] Average daily feed intake = (feed input - uneaten feed) / (number of chickens × number of days of rearing);

[0076] Average daily weight gain = (final body weight - initial body weight) / (number of chickens × number of days of rearing);

[0077] Feed conversion ratio = Daily feed intake / Daily weight gain.

[0078] 2.2 Slaughter Performance

[0079] At the end of the 42-day trial, each chicken was weighed on an empty stomach. One rooster and one hen with a weight close to the average weight were selected from each replicate. After removing feathers, foot keratin, toe shells, and beak shells, the carcass weight was measured. Abdominal fat was separated and weighed. All internal organs were removed (leaving only the kidneys), and the eviscerated weight was measured. The breast and leg muscles were quickly dissected, weighed, and placed on crushed ice. Dressing percentage, eviscerated percentage, abdominal fat percentage, breast muscle percentage, and leg muscle percentage were calculated.

[0080] Dressing percentage (%) = Slaughter weight / Pre-slaughter weight × 100%

[0081] Full eviscerated yield (%) = Full eviscerated weight / Pre-slaughter body weight × 100%

[0082] Abdominal fat rate (%) = abdominal fat weight / pre-slaughter body weight × 100%

[0083] Pectoral muscle percentage (%) = Pectoral muscle weight / Total net chest weight × 100%

[0084] Leg muscle percentage (%) = (Net leg muscle weight / Net visceral weight) × 100%

[0085] 2.3 Meat quality characteristics

[0086] The color of the left pectoral muscle [brightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*)] was measured using a muscle color analyzer; the pH of the right pectoral muscle was measured 45 minutes post-slaughter using a pH meter. 45min The pH value was measured after placing a portion of the sample in a PE preservation plastic bag, sealing it, and storing it at 4°C for 24 hours. 24h Value, drip loss rate. Texture analyzer was used to measure the shear force of the pectoral muscles.

[0087] 3. Effects on growth performance

[0088] Compared with the control group, there were no significant differences in daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily weight gain (ADG) in the experimental group, while the feed conversion ratio (F / G) in the compound aromatic water group was significantly lower (P < 0.05). The results are shown in Table 4.

[0089] Table 4. Effects of aromatic water on broiler growth performance

[0090]

[0091] Compared with the control group, * P < 0.05 ** P < 0.01

[0092] 4. Effects on slaughter performance

[0093] Compared with the control group, there was no significant difference in slaughter rate among the experimental groups; the turmeric aromatic water group showed a significant increase in pectoral muscle percentage and a significant decrease in abdominal fat percentage (P < 0.05); the compound aromatic water group showed a significant increase in eviscerated fat percentage and leg muscle percentage (P < 0.05), a significant increase in pectoral muscle percentage, and a significant decrease in abdominal fat percentage (P < 0.01). The results are shown in Table 5.

[0094] Table 5. Effects of aromatic water on broiler slaughter performance

[0095]

[0096] Compared with the control group, *P<0.05, **P<0.01

[0097] 5. Effects on meat quality

[0098] The pH value of pectoral muscle decreases with prolonged storage time, which is related to pH 45min Compared to pH 24h The pH value of the experimental group decreased significantly compared to the control group, and the pH value of the pectoral muscles in the experimental group was more stable. However, compared to the control group, the pH value of the pectoral muscles in the experimental group showed an increasing trend. The pH value of the compound aromatic water group... 45min The value increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the pH of the experimental group increased. 24h Significantly increased (P < 0.01); drip loss rate showed a decreasing trend, with a significant decrease in the aromatic water group (P < 0.05); muscle shear force showed a decreasing trend, with no significant difference; muscle color brightness showed an increasing trend, with no significant difference, while redness showed an increasing trend. The pH of the compound aromatic water group was significantly increased. 45min The values ​​increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the yellowness showed a decreasing trend with no significant difference. The results are shown in Table 6.

[0099] Table 6. Effects of aromatic water on broiler slaughter performance.

[0100]

[0101] Experimental Example 3: Clinical efficacy of the essential oil composition of the present invention

[0102] 1. Therapeutic effect of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type stroke

[0103] Aromatherapy essential oil was prepared according to compound essential oil 4. The aromatherapy essential oil was nebulized and inhaled twice a day for 30 minutes each time. The improvement or treatment effect on the symptoms of stroke due to qi deficiency and blood stasis was evaluated.

[0104] 1.1 Forty patients with Qi deficiency and blood stasis type stroke treated at a hospital in Chengdu from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected. There were 24 male patients and 16 female patients; their ages ranged from 42 to 71 years, with a mean age of 57.95 ± 8.29 years; the time from onset ranged from 0.5 to 20 hours, with a mean time of 9.45 ± 5.47 hours; 6 patients had concurrent atherosclerosis and 8 patients had hypertension. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 20 patients in each group. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, course of disease, and condition between the two groups (P > 0.05), indicating comparability.

[0105] 1.2 Diagnostic criteria

[0106] Referring to the relevant diagnostic criteria for ischemic stroke in the "Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases in China" and the "Classification of Cerebrovascular Diseases in China 2015"; and the relevant diagnostic criteria for stroke of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type in the "Guiding Principles for Clinical Research of New Traditional Chinese Medicines (Trial)", the main symptoms are: facial paralysis, hemiplegia, slurred speech or aphasia, decreased or absent sensation, and delirium with phlegm; the secondary symptoms are: swelling of the hands and feet, dizziness and tinnitus, spontaneous sweating, dark tongue, white and greasy tongue coating or teeth marks, and deep and thready or thready and slow or thready and wiry pulse.

[0107] 1.3 Inclusion Criteria

[0108] ① Those who meet the above diagnostic criteria; ② Those who are diagnosed by CT or MRI imaging examination; ③ The patient and their family sign an informed consent form.

[0109] 1.4 Exclusion Criteria

[0110] ① Patients with concurrent hemorrhagic stroke; ② Patients with concurrent malignant tumors; ③ Patients with a history of mental illness; ④ Patients with allergies to the drugs used in this study or poor treatment adherence.

[0111] 1.5 Administration Method

[0112] After admission, all patients received routine Western medicine treatments such as oxygen therapy, intracranial pressure reduction, anti-infection, and antiplatelet aggregation, along with symptomatic treatments such as lipid-lowering and blood pressure-lowering medications. The control group received oral enteric-coated aspirin tablets, 100mg / time, 3 times / day; and atorvastatin calcium tablets, 20mg / time, once / day. The observation group used compound essential oil 4, 5 drops each time (approximately 0.25g of essential oil), nebulized for 30 minutes, three times a day (morning, noon, and evening). One course of treatment lasted 4 weeks.

[0113] The neurological function deficit scale (NFDS) was used to assess the neurological function deficit before and after treatment.

[0114] A higher score indicates a more severe patient condition. NFDS includes eight items: consciousness, horizontal gaze, facial paralysis, speech, upper limb muscle strength, hand muscle strength, lower limb muscle strength, and walking ability. Each item is scored from 0 to 9 points based on the patient's performance or completion level, with a total score range of 0 to 45 points. A total score >30 indicates severe, 16-30 indicates moderate, and <16 indicates mild. See Appendix 1 for detailed scoring guidelines.

[0115] 1.6 Criteria for Judging Therapeutic Effect

[0116] Improvement in neurological deficits was expressed as the reduction in NFDS, and the reduction in NFDS was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect.

[0117] NFDS reduction = [(pre-treatment score - post-treatment score) ÷ pre-treatment score] × 100%.

[0118] Evaluation criteria: ① Cured: NFDS reduction ≥ 90%; ② Significantly effective: 40% ≤ NFDS reduction < 90%; ③ Effective: 18% ≤ NFDS reduction < 40%; ④ Ineffective: NFDS reduction < 18%.

[0119] 2. Therapeutic effect on stroke of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type

[0120] The observation group showed improvement in neurological deficits in stroke patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis, with a decrease in NFDS values. Compared with the control group, there was no significant difference in NFDS values, but the cure rate, significant efficacy rate, and total effective rate were higher. The effect of essential oil was superior to that of enteric-coated aspirin tablets combined with atorvastatin calcium tablets. The results are shown in Table 7.

[0121] Table 7 shows the therapeutic effects on stroke caused by qi deficiency and blood stasis.

[0122]

[0123] Compared with before treatment, * P < 0.05 ** P < 0.01; compared with the control, ▲ P < 0.05 ▲▲ P < 0.01

[0124] 2. The therapeutic effect of angina pectoris combined with hyperlipidemia

[0125] Aromatherapy essential oil was prepared according to compound essential oil 4. The aromatherapy essential oil was nebulized and inhaled twice a day for 30 minutes each time. The improvement or treatment effect on angina pectoris complicated with hyperlipidemia was evaluated.

[0126] 2.1 Sixty patients diagnosed with angina pectoris and hypertensive disorders at a hospital in Chengdu from September 2021 to March 2023 were selected. There were 28 male patients and 32 female patients, aged 39–66 years. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 30 patients in each group. There were no statistically significant differences in general characteristics such as gender, age, course of disease, and severity of illness between the two groups (P > 0.05), indicating comparability.

[0127] 2.2 Inclusion Criteria

[0128] All patients met the clinical criteria for angina pectoris complicated with hyperlipidemia: serum TC higher than 5.72 mmol / L, TG higher than 2.6 mmol / L, and LDL-C higher than 3.64 mmol / L; angina pectoris could occur at rest, lasted for more than 20 minutes, and progressively worsened. Patients with secondary hyperlipidemia or extremely high CK or ALT levels were excluded.

[0129] 2.3 Administration method

[0130] The control group received oral rosuvastatin 5 mg / day combined with fenofibrate 100 mg / day. The observation group, in addition to the control group's medication, received compound essential oil 4, 5 drops (approximately 0.25 g) nebulized aromatherapy inhalation for 30 minutes each time, three times a day (morning, noon, and evening). Treatment continued for three months.

[0131] 2.4 Observation indicators and efficacy judgment

[0132] ① Observe the changes in blood lipid levels before and after treatment and the incidence of coronary heart disease within 3 months; ② Treatment effect: disappearance of angina symptoms and normalization of blood lipid levels are considered significant effect; reduction in the frequency and duration of angina attacks and improvement in blood lipid levels are considered effective; failure to achieve the above indicators is considered ineffective. ③ Adverse drug reactions, including elevated ALT and gastrointestinal symptoms.

[0133] 2.5 Efficacy in treating angina pectoris complicated with hyperlipidemia

[0134] After treatment, the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C all decreased significantly, with no significant difference between the two groups. Compared with the control group, the effective rate of treatment in the observation group was significantly higher, and the incidence of coronary heart disease and the adverse reaction rate were significantly lower in the observation group during the 3-month follow-up period. Results are shown in Table 8.

[0135] Table 8. Efficacy of treatment for angina pectoris complicated with hyperlipidemia

[0136]

[0137] 3. Therapeutic effects of knee osteoarthritis

[0138] The compound essential oil 4 was mixed with the base massage oil to prepare a massage essential oil. The essential oil was massaged twice a day for 20 minutes each time, with an amount of 2-5 ml of essential oil each time. The effect on improving symptoms such as arthritis pain, swelling, stiffness and knee joint function was evaluated.

[0139] 3.1 Seventy cases of knee osteoarthritis treated at a hospital in Chengdu from June to December 2022 were selected. Among them, 32 were male and 38 were female; their ages ranged from 48 to 73 years, with a mean age of 58.33 ± 7.37 years; the duration of disease ranged from 6 months to 10 years, with a mean duration of 5.13 ± 2.10 years. Patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 35 patients in each group. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, duration of disease, or disease condition between the two groups (P > 0.05), indicating comparability.

[0140] 3.2 Diagnostic criteria

[0141] Based on the diagnostic criteria for knee osteoarthritis in the Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Osteoarthritis (2021 edition), the following criteria are used to diagnose knee osteoarthritis: (1) recurrent knee pain within the past month; (2) X-ray (standing or weight-bearing position) results indicate: narrowing of joint space, osteophyte formation at the joint margin, subchondral bone sclerosis and / or cystic changes; (3) age ≥ 45 years; (4) morning stiffness ≤ 30 minutes; (5) bone crepitus during activity.

[0142] 3.3 Inclusion Criteria

[0143] ① Those who meet the above diagnostic criteria; ② Those aged between 45 and 75 years; ③ Those who have not received treatment with glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or other similar medications within the past 3 months; ④ Patients who voluntarily participate in this study and sign an informed consent form.

[0144] 3.4 Exclusion Criteria

[0145] ① Individuals with heart, liver, or kidney dysfunction; ② Individuals with severe osteoporosis; ③ Individuals with newly developed acute fractures that have not yet healed; ④ Individuals with post-injury, tuberculosis, or infection in the knee area; ⑤ Pregnant or lactating women; ⑥ Individuals with active peptic ulcers or drug allergies.

[0146] 3.5 Administration method

[0147] The control group received loxoprofen sodium treatment, 60 mg twice daily. The observation group, in addition to this treatment, received massage oil applied to the knee joint, and massaged the knee with the thenar and hypothenar eminences and palms. The thumb and index finger were used to perform forward and backward finger massage on both sides of the knee joint (outer and inner knee eyes) with moderate pressure, twice daily, 2-5 ml each time, for 20 minutes each time, for 4 consecutive weeks.

[0148] 3.6 Observation indicators and efficacy assessment

[0149] The visual analog scale (VAS), Lysholm Knee Scale (LKSS), and Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were used to assess pain levels and knee function.

[0150] The VAS score is directly proportional to the degree of pain; the higher the score, the more severe the pain. 0 points indicates no pain; 1-3 points indicate mild pain, which is tolerable and does not affect daily life or sleep; 4-6 points indicate moderate pain, which is significant, difficult to tolerate, and affects daily life and sleep; 7-9 points indicate severe pain, which is extremely difficult to tolerate, severely affects daily life, and sleep may be severely disturbed, possibly accompanied by autonomic nervous system dysfunction or passive posture; 10 points indicate excruciating pain, unbearable, and makes normal life and sleep impossible.

[0151] The LKSS score includes eight aspects: locking, limping, swelling, pain, support, instability, climbing stairs, and squatting. The maximum score is 100 points. The higher the score, the better the knee function. A score below 70 points indicates that the knee function has been significantly affected. For detailed scoring rules, please refer to Appendix 2.

[0152] The WOMAC assessment comprises three aspects: functional assessment, pain assessment, and stiffness assessment, totaling 24 questions. The scoring criteria for each item are: 0 - none; 1 - mild; 2 - moderate; 3 - severe; 4 - extreme. These are: ① Pain – when walking on flat ground, going up and down stairs, sleeping, sitting or lying down, and standing; ② Stiffness – upon waking in the morning and for any subsequent time when sitting, lying down, or after rest; ③ Joint dysfunction – when going up and down stairs, standing up from a seat, standing, bending forward, walking on flat ground, getting in and out of a car, shopping, putting on socks, getting out of bed, taking off socks, lying in bed, bathing, sitting, using the toilet, doing heavy physical labor, and doing light physical labor. A higher score indicates poorer knee joint function.

[0153] The patient's total WOMAC score was calculated using the nimodipine method, with the formula: "Improvement Index = (Pre-treatment Symptom Score - Post-treatment Symptom Score) / Pre-treatment Symptom Score". ① Marked effect: Knee joint function improvement index ≥ 0.75; ② Effective: 0.5 ≤ Knee joint function improvement index < 0.75; ③ Improved: 0.25 ≤ Knee joint function improvement index < 0.5; ④ Ineffective: Knee joint function improvement index < 0.25.

[0154] 3.7 Therapeutic effect on knee osteoarthritis

[0155] After treatment, both groups of patients showed significant improvement in symptoms and signs, with decreases in VAS and WOMAC scores and increases in LKSS scores. Compared with the control group, the observation group showed a decrease in VAS and a significant decrease in WOMAC scores (P < 0.05), and a significant increase in LKSS scores (P < 0.01), with higher effective rate, higher efficacy rate, and higher total effective rate. The results are shown in Tables 9 and 10.

[0156] Table 9. Effects on pain severity and knee function in knee osteoarthritis.

[0157]

[0158] Compared with before treatment, * P < 0.05 ** P < 0.01; compared with the control, ▲ P < 0.05 ▲▲ P < 0.01

[0159] Table 10 shows the therapeutic effects on knee osteoarthritis.

[0160]

[0161] 4. Therapeutic effect of relieving primary dysmenorrhea

[0162] Compound essential oil 4 was prepared into a navel essential oil patch. The drug was administered through the navel (Shenque acupoint). It was applied to the navel 7 days before menstruation (the flavonoid period), one patch at a time, for 4 hours each time, until menstruation. The effect on improving dysmenorrhea was evaluated.

[0163] 3.4.1 Eighty patients diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea at a hospital in Chengdu from January to September 2022 were selected. Their ages ranged from 16 to 30 years, with a mean age of (25.41±3.64) years; the duration of illness ranged from 2 to 26 months, with a mean duration of (15.57±6.93) months; and their menstrual cycles ranged from 21 to 35 days, with a mean duration of (28.21±6.87) days.

[0164] 4.2 Inclusion criteria ① Meets the diagnostic criteria for primary dysmenorrhea in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea by examination; ② Age 16-30 years; ③ Has no history of related treatment within the past month, and is willing to participate and sign an informed consent form.

[0165] 4.3 Exclusion criteria: ① Patients with secondary dysmenorrhea caused by organic lesions or other reasons; ② Patients with gynecological diseases such as endometriosis or cervical cancer; ③ Patients with coagulation disorders or serious organic lesions.

[0166] ④ Patients who plan to have children within the next 3 months; ⑤ Patients with cognitive impairment who cannot cooperate with researchers.

[0167] 4.4 Administration Method: Apply the essential oil patch to the navel (Shenque acupoint) 7 days before menstruation (the flavonoid period). Apply one patch each time, for 4 hours each time, until menstruation begins.

[0168] 4.5 Efficacy Criteria

[0169] Refer to the "Guiding Principles for Clinical Research of New Traditional Chinese Medicines". Cure: Abdominal pain and other symptoms completely disappear, with no recurrence during a 3-month follow-up; Significant Effect: Abdominal pain and other symptoms significantly improve, with no worsening during a 3-month follow-up; Effective: Abdominal pain and other symptoms improve somewhat; Ineffective: Abdominal pain and other symptoms remain unchanged.

[0170] 4.6 Efficacy in treating primary dysmenorrhea

[0171] Compound essential oils have a good effect on improving and treating dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain and other symptoms. After using compound essential oils, the cure rate for dysmenorrhea was 42.50%, the significant efficacy rate was 31.25%, the effective rate was 20.00%, and the total effective rate was 93.75%. The results are shown in Table 11.

[0172] Table 11 shows the therapeutic effects on primary dysmenorrhea.

[0173]

[0174] Appendix 1: Clinical Neurological Deficit Scoreboard

[0175]

[0176]

[0177]

[0178] Appendix 2 Lysholm Knee Rating Scale

[0179]

[0180]

Claims

1. The use of an aromatic water composition in the preparation of a feed additive for improving the growth performance of poultry and enhancing meat quality, wherein the aromatic water composition is prepared from radix notopterygii aromatic water and ligusticum chuanxiong aromatic water, and the ratio of radix notopterygii aromatic water to ligusticum chuanxiong aromatic water is 1.0:1.0 based on the raw materials radix notopterygii and ligusticum chuanxiong.

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