Additive for foods, beverages and pharmaceuticals

Abstract

The additive 50 is used alone as a tablet or capsule, or together with a base product 54, to produce an enhancing product 52 that provides a health benefit 34 to a person 20 ingesting or using the additive 50, the additive 50 including an enzyme that stimulates the naturally occurring in the human body. The additive 50 has one or more hydrogenated substances 58, such as erythritol 58a, xylitol 58b, hydrogenated dihydromyricetin 58c and / or quercetin dihydrate 58d, and a flavonoid dihydromyricetin 14a. The flavonoid 14 may be extracted from Ampelopsis grossedentata plant 17 and / or a plant 16 selected from the genus Hovenia (e.g., Japanese raisin tree). The additive may also have one or more solvents 60, such as a bicarbonate compound 60a or an alcohol solvent 60b, a pH balanced acid 62, and / or a preservative 64. The base product 54 may be a liquid 66, a solid 68, a powder 70, a chew 72, a medicament 74, a cosmetic 76, or an emulsion or other coating product 78. The reinforced product 52 is a base product 54 reinforced by an additive.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 860,096 filed on July 7, 2022. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to substances added to products that are consumed, chewed, applied or otherwise used by a person to make the product healthier and more beneficial when consumed, chewed or used. In particular, the present invention relates to additives that are added to a base product during its manufacture, or that can be added to a base product by a user before he or she consumes or uses the product. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to additives having specific components that help improve the health and well-being of a person who ingests, chews or applies a product with the additive. Background Art

[0004] People around the world consume many different types of food and beverages. Although many people try to consume healthy foods and beverages, even if they limit their diet to only or at least primarily organic fruits and vegetables and naturally grown or harvested meats, the reality is that most people's food and beverage diets are not that healthy. Specifically, the foods that most people consume are high in sugars, fats, carbohydrates, and other components that are unhealthy when consumed in the amounts that most people consume.

[0005] About sugar and other sweeteners (including multiple artificial sweeteners), the intake and excessive intake of food and beverages with sugar significantly cause people to be generally considered unhealthy.For the purpose of describing the present invention, the food and beverages taken in by eating or drinking, whether they contain or may contain sugar or any other harmful ingredients, are collectively referred to as "consumer products" in this article. Although the present invention mainly discusses consumer products from the intake of human consumer products and its intake effect, the term is also used to refer to animal food, particularly pet food, that is, to be taken in by animals. Similarly, the term "sweetener" relates to any sweetener type component added to any consumer product or used with any consumer product, whether the sweetener is added to the consumer product (that is, cooking, baking, frying, mixing or manufacturing other means of consumer products) during its production, or by people (whether he or she is the person who will take in the consumer product) before or during the intake of the consumer product. In addition, the term "sweetener" refers to any type of component added to the consumer product, usually but not limited to make the consumer product sweeter or more suitable for intake, added by the person who is taking in or will take in the consumer product. Although various examples of consumable products and sweeteners are described herein, the listing of such examples is provided for illustrative purposes only, and thus is not intended to limit the invention to only those examples.

[0006] As is well known, the intake of sweeteners in consumer products is a health problem for people of all ages, and is considered a national health problem by some people in the U.S. health or medical field. In fact, some schools and certain geographical locations (including cities, towns and other municipalities) have banned or heavily restricted the availability of consumer products with artificially added sweeteners (contrary to those consumer products (such as fruits, juices, etc.) with natural sweeteners). In a typical American diet, the main sources of sugar and other sweeteners are soft drinks, fruit drinks, flavored yogurts, cereals, biscuits, cakes, candies and most processed foods. Unfortunately, the added sugar or other sweeteners are also present in consumer products that are not usually considered to be sugared, including foods such as soups, breads, barbecues and ketchup. Despite the known problems associated with intake, particularly the excessive intake of consumer products with sweeteners, people usually prefer this consumer product, because at least for most people, known sweeteners have improved the taste of consumer products to a certain extent, and usually improve the pleasure of consumer products.

[0007] In general, health problems associated with sweeteners (specifically sugar) are generally known to include problems such as obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes. Regarding obesity, weight gain due to the intake of added sugars and other sweeteners (especially in sweetened beverages) is a well-documented problem. Sugar-sweetened beverages (such as soda, juice, and sweetened tea) contain fructose, which is a simple sugar. Studies have shown that the intake of fructose increases a person's hunger and desire for food, even more than the intake of glucose, which is the main type of sugar found in starchy foods. In addition, there is a view that excessive intake of fructose can lead to resistance to leptin, which is an important hormone that regulates hunger and tells your body to stop eating, which means that sugar-sweetened beverages tend to increase a person's hunger rather than suppress hunger. Regarding tooth decay, consuming too many consumer products with added sugars often leads to tooth decay because the bacteria in a person's mouth will be fed by the sweeteners and release acidic byproducts that can cause tooth demineralization. Studies have also shown that there is a direct and clear link between excessive intake of sweeteners and the risk of diabetes. In addition to the fact that obesity is generally considered the strongest risk factor for diabetes, long-term intake of sweeteners can lead to resistance to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels and strongly increase the risk of diabetes.

[0008] As is well known to those skilled in the art, the above health effects are not the only problems associated with the intake of consumer products containing sweeteners. For example, it is also known that the intake of sweeteners can cause heart disease. Studies have shown an association between a high-sugar diet and a higher risk of dying from heart disease, partly due to an increased likelihood of obesity. One possible pathway is that consuming large amounts of sugar and other sweeteners overburdens the liver, which metabolizes sugar in the same way as alcohol and converts dietary carbohydrates into fat, which over time can lead to a large accumulation of fat in the liver (i.e., fatty liver disease), which can cause diabetes and increase people's risk of heart disease. In addition, consuming too much added sweeteners can raise a person's blood pressure and increase chronic inflammation, both of which are pathological pathways for heart disease and stroke. Studies have also shown that consuming too many consumer products with sugar and other sweeteners can lead to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, partly due to causing inflammation and insulin resistance in the body. For example, the intake of this product is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer, pleural cancer, small intestine cancer, and endometrial cancer. In a diet rich in processed foods of added sugar or other sweeteners, it is also shown to increase the chances of depression and other mental health in people due to blood sugar fluctuations, neurotransmitter disorders and inflammation. Studies have also shown that a diet high in sugar can accelerate cognitive decline, including impaired memory and increased risk of dementia. Having a persistently high blood sugar level (which can be caused by consuming consumer products with sweeteners) can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to an increased risk of nephropathy. Excessive intake of consumer foods with sweeteners can increase the uric acid level in people's blood, thereby increasing the risk of developing gout or gout exacerbation. Intake of consumer products with sweeteners can accelerate the skin aging process, aggravate wrinkles and cause acne.

[0009] An example of consuming sweeteners is drinking. Although many people like to consume alcoholic products, including beer, spirits, wine, mixed drinks, wine beverages, etc., excessive intake of alcohol, and even intake of relatively small amounts of alcohol in some cases, has led to various problems in society. For the purpose of describing various aspects and benefits of the present invention, the terms "alcohol" and "alcoholic beverages" are used herein to include other beverages including wine, beer, distilled spirits, malt liquor, and wine, beer or distilled aromatic liquor and one or more mixers (e.g., fruit juice, soda, sparkling water, etc.).

[0010] As is well known, drinking alcohol usually has serious negative effects on people, some of which are long-term, and some of which can last for several hours or even one day or more days after alcohol is taken in. The long-term effects of the excessive intake of alcohol (that is, alcohol abuse and dependence) include many problems of body, society and psychology, and these problems include acute alcohol poisoning, fetal alcohol syndrome and cirrhosis of the liver. The short-term effects (its effect is usually referred to as having "hangover") caused by the excessive consumption of alcohol include symptoms such as headache, body pain, fatigue, stomach discomfort (i.e. nausea). As is well known, many hangover symptoms are caused by the accumulation of acetaldehyde in people's blood, and this is because his or her liver can not process the alcohol that people take in fast enough. Although the symptoms of hangover usually only last for a relatively short amount of time, depending on the amount of alcohol that people have taken in, people's individual tolerance to alcohol and the amount of different types of food and liquid taken in before drinking, the symptoms of these hangovers can be somewhat serious, and even usually make people weak. At least, such symptoms can be unpleasant, inconvenient and negatively affect the ability of people to work normally at home and at work, which will affect his or her productivity.

[0011] As known to those skilled in the art, acetaldehyde and other aldehydes (wherein acetaldehyde is a type of aldehyde) will also accumulate in a person's bloodstream from sources other than drinking. For example, acetaldehyde, which is a carcinogen that can cause cancer and various other health problems, can be caused by environmental pollution, eating too much sugar or sugary foods, and / or smoking electronic cigarettes or smoking and marijuana. Although the amount of aldehydes in a person's bloodstream that causes a person's problems (e.g., hangover effects) may most commonly be associated with alcohol intake, particularly excessive alcohol intake, aldehyde accumulation in a person's bloodstream from other sources will have an amplifying effect on a person who consumes alcohol, making his or her hangover symptoms more severe. In addition, some people are genetically predisposed to not being able to handle acetaldehyde and other aldehydes well, which of course will make aldehyde accumulation from alcohol and other sources a bigger problem for him or her in terms of hangover and hangover-type symptoms and in terms of handling carcinogens in a safe and effective manner. Some people have unhealthy livers, whether genetic or due to previous alcohol problems, which can cause problems with acetaldehyde and other aldehydes that cannot be handled in a way that reduces, preferably removes, these carcinogens from a person's bloodstream.

[0012] As is well known in the art, people have enzymes in their bodies that act on aldehydes (including acetaldehyde) in the bloodstream to reduce the amount of aldehyde accumulation in the bloodstream, whether the accumulation comes from alcohol, environmental conditions, dietary habits, work, or liver problems. Two such enzymes are alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. While these two enzymes do reduce the amount of aldehydes in a person's bloodstream over time, the introduction of alcohol and other sources of aldehydes can easily overwhelm the ability of these enzymes to efficiently, effectively, and quickly reduce aldehydes in a person's bloodstream. Activating or supplementing these enzymes can help a person's body eliminate aldehydes (including acetaldehyde) from his or her bloodstream.

[0013] As known to those skilled in the relevant art, many products have non-sweetener additives, which are added to the product to improve the health and well-being of people who are eating, drinking, chewing or applying the product (for example, such as lotions, creams, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, etc.), to enhance the product, so its intake or use is more beneficial to the user of the enhanced product. Although many types of substances can be used as additives to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, most people usually prefer natural products with few (if any) side effects. Some substances that can be used as additives and are added to the product during the product manufacturing process or before consuming the product have the following problems: the substance cannot be completely dissolved or otherwise incorporated into the base product for forming an enhanced product together with the additive. As known to those skilled in the relevant art, such problems can affect (sometimes significantly affect) the bioavailability of the substance, which affects the ability of the additive to enter the bloodstream of the person who ingests or uses the enhanced product. The low bioavailability of such substances reduces the possibility that the person who ingests or uses the enhanced product will see any benefit from its use.

[0014] The material example that can be included in additive is flavonoid quercetin and dihydromyricetin.Flavonoid quercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and it is believed that they help to reduce inflammation, kill cancer cells, control blood sugar and help prevent heart disease.Flavonoid dihydromyricetin (also referred to as DHM or DYM) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, cell death mediation and lipid and glucose metabolism regulation health benefits.Flavonoid dihydromyricetin also shows that it can reduce the aldehyde (including acetaldehyde) in the human body that takes in or uses flavonoids.Importantly, dihydromyricetin shows that its health-benefiting activity has minimal side effects.Unfortunately, although these flavonoids have benefits, they have low solubility that limits their effectiveness as additives.

[0015] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it would be very beneficial to have an additive that is suitable for use in or with a product that is ingested, chewed or applied by a user, and that has the effect of improving the overall health and well-being of the user. Therefore, a new additive is needed that can be added to a base product to produce an enhanced product, helping the human body to mitigate the harmful effects that might otherwise be associated with the base product, and improving the overall health and well-being of the person. More specifically, an additive is needed that can help the body of a person who ingests, chews or uses an enhanced product containing the additive, processes the base product in a healthier manner, and provides additional health benefits to the user. New additives should be selected to stimulate and help produce additional enzymes in the human body, which will allow him or her to better handle the base product and reduce the amount of acetaldehyde and other aldehydes in his or her bloodstream. New additives should be suitable for producing a variety of different types of products, and suitable for being applied to the product just before the user ingests, chews or applies the product. Summary of the invention

[0016] A simplified overview of the disclosure of the present invention is provided below to provide the reader with a basic understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present disclosure is not a broad overview of the present disclosure, and it does not identify the key / critical elements of the present invention or describe the scope of the present invention. The sole purpose of the present disclosure is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description presented later.

[0017] The use of terms such as "includes," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, herein is intended to encompass the items listed thereafter and their equivalents. The terms "one" and "an" herein do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced items. In addition, the use of the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., herein does not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but rather is used to distinguish one element or feature of an element from another element or feature of an element. When used herein with a list of two or more items, the term "and / or" means that any one of the listed items may be utilized alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be utilized.

[0018] The present invention provides benefits and solves the above problems. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a new sweetener additive that is added to a consumer product to help the human body mitigate other harmful effects of the sweetener itself and improve the overall health and well-being of the person. More specifically, a sweetener additive is described herein that, when added to a consumer product and ingested by a person (i.e., a consumer of the consumer product), helps the consumer by enabling his or her body to process the sweetener in a healthier way and providing additional health benefits, including reducing the amount of acetaldehyde and other aldehydes in his or her bloodstream, whether the aldehydes are from drinking, the environment, smoking, sugar intake or other reasons. The sweetener additive has a sweetener base selected from one or more currently available sweeteners (e.g., sugar, etc.), and one or more flavonoids mixed with the sweetener base, wherein the flavonoids are derived from plants in the genus Hovenia. In addition to making the consumer products used therewith sweeten, sweetener additives also stimulate enzymes and help produce extra enzymes in the human body, which will allow him or her to better and process sweeteners in a healthier way, and reduce the amount of acetaldehyde and other aldehydes in his or her blood stream. Therefore, in addition to making the consumer products more pleasant to take in and the consumer body better able to process sweeteners, sweetener additives as herein described also provide significant health benefits for the people who take in consumer products (with the sweeteners incorporated into or added to the consumer products). This new sweetener additive can be used for the production of consumer food, and for the consumer before he or she takes in consumable food, use on consumer food, for example, before edible food or drinkable beverage, sweetener additives are added to food or beverage. In a preferred embodiment, the manufacture of new sweetener additives is relatively cheap, so it will be able to be widely utilized.

[0019] One or more healthy flavonoids in the new sweetener additive can stimulate the enzymes naturally produced in the consumer's body, which helps alcohol and glucose to be converted before being released and stored in the consumer's body. In addition, in order to support the healthy removal and regulation of sugar in the body, the flavonoids in the new sweetener additive also stimulate and produce enzymes, which help the consumer's body to process and remove carcinogenic toxins called aldehydes caused by excessive sugar intake, drinking, smoking, e-cigarettes, pollution and / or poor diet. As is well known in the art, the accumulation of aldehydes in the body is the main cause of cancer, liver disease, brain fog and hangover. Adding flavonoids to sweetener additives actively supports healthier liver, organ and brain function as an additive included in consumer products. By using sweetener additives in consumer products, consumers will make his or her life healthier, more interesting, interesting and enjoyable, due to the reduction of the harmful effects of ingesting consumer products, which are produced with new sweetener additives or added with sweetener additives before consumers ingest consumer products.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sweetener additive generally comprises a sweetener base and one or more flavonoids, the flavonoids being selected from the group comprising at least one of the following: apigenin, flavanones, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, myricetin, dihydrokaempferol, dihydromyricetin, ampelopsis, epigallocatechin gallate and taxifolin. The flavonoids are combined with the sweetener base for use with a consumer product, thereby providing one or more health benefits to consumers who ingest a consumer product with a sweetener additive to improve the health and well-being of the consumer. The sweetener base has one or more sweeteners. In one embodiment, the flavonoids are selected from plants in the genus Hovenia. One or more flavonoids are combined with the sweetener base to produce a sweetener additive. The sweetener additive (which may be a powder, liquid, granular or other form) is added to the consumer product during the production of the consumer product, and / or is added to the consumer product after the production of the consumer product but before the consumer eats or drinks the consumer product. The consumer product may be a food, a beverage or a mixture of a prepared food or beverage. In one embodiment, the sweetener of sweetener base comprises at least one of sucrose, other plant sugars, syrup, artificial sugar and other sugars, and these sweeteners are selected to be at least generally sweetened or otherwise benefit from the taste, texture or other characteristics of consumer products. In another embodiment, sweetener additive can have aldehyde reduction component, and described aldehyde reduction component is selected to supplement the naturally occurring enzyme in the consumer body, reduces the harmful effects of aldehydes to consumers in this way. Aldehyde reduction component can comprise aldehyde dehydrogenase. In another embodiment, sweetener additive can have glucose reduction component, and described glucose reduction component is selected to supplement the naturally occurring enzyme in the consumer body, reduces the harmful effects of glucose to consumers in this way. Glucose reduction component can comprise at least one of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase. In another embodiment, sweetener additive can have alcohol reduction component, and described alcohol reduction component is selected to supplement the naturally occurring enzyme in the consumer body, reduces the harmful effects of alcohol to consumers in this way. The alcohol reduction component of sweetener additive can comprise at least one of alcohol dehydrogenase and alcohol oxidase. In yet another embodiment, the novel sweetener additive may comprise various combinations of aldehyde reducing components, glucose reducing components and / or alcohol reducing components selected to reduce aldehydes, glucose and / or alcohol in the consumer's body in order to reduce or eliminate their deleterious effects on the consumer.

[0021] The present invention also provides benefits and solves the above-mentioned problems regarding the need for an additive for producing an enhanced product. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a new additive that is incorporated or added to a base product that is ingested or otherwise used by a user of the product to improve the user's overall health and well-being. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an additive that is incorporated or added to a base product to produce an enhanced product that helps the consumer by enabling his or her body to better process the base product in a healthier manner and / or provides additional health benefits. The additive of the present invention is able to utilize certain currently underutilized but beneficial flavonoids by greatly increasing the solubility and bioavailability of the flavonoids.

[0022] The additive of the present invention for producing enhanced products generally includes a base product, one or more hydrogenated substances added to the base product, and one or more flavonoids combined with the base product and the hydrogenated substance. One or more flavonoids are selected from flavonoid sources to provide one or more health benefits for product users using enhanced products. One or more flavonoids for new additives include quercetin and / or dihydromyricetin. The new additive is configured to be added to the base product during the production of the base product, and / or to be added to the base product after the production of the base product but before the product user eats, chews, drinks or applies the enhanced product. In a preferred embodiment, the flavonoid source is at least one of the vine tea plant (Vine Tea plant) and the genus Hovenia. In a preferred embodiment, one or more hydrogenated substances are selected from the group consisting of erythritol, xylitol, hydrogenated dihydromyricetin and dihydrate quercetin. In another embodiment, the new additive also has a solvent, such as an alcohol solvent or bicarbonate (e.g., bicarbonate powder or bicarbonate gas). In other embodiments, the additive has an acid and / or preservative with pH balance. The base product can be a consumer product, a chewable product, a pharmaceutical product, a cosmetic product, etc. The enhanced product can be a liquid product, a solid product, a powder product, a chewable product, and a coated product.

[0023] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a new additive which has the above mentioned advantages and overcomes the known disadvantages and limitations associated with currently available additives for food, liquids, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and the like.

[0024] An important object of the present invention is to provide a new additive that is configured to improve the health and well-being of a person who ingests an enhanced product having the additive of the present invention.

[0025] Another important object of the present invention is to provide a new additive that can be taken alone as a pill (such as a capsule or tablet), or mixed with or added to a base product (such as a beverage, food, powder, chewable, medicine, cosmetic, and lotion or other application products) for ingestion.

[0026] An important aspect of the present invention is that the present invention provides a novel additive that achieves the various objectives described above and elsewhere in the present invention.

[0027] Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides a novel additive for use in many types of products including various foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, chews, cosmetics and coated products which promotes improved health and well-being for those who ingest the additive.

[0028] Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides a new additive that is formulated for use as a consumable tablet or capsule and used with a base product to produce an enhanced product that delivers flavonoids to the product user, thereby stimulating and replenishing naturally occurring enzymes in the human body that ingests or uses the enhanced product.

[0029] Another important aspect of the present invention is to provide a new additive that can more easily and effectively deliver the flavonoid dihydromyricetin to the body of a person who ingests or uses the new additive, either alone or as part of a base product.

[0030] Another important aspect of the present invention is to provide a new additive comprising a base product, a flavonoid dihydromyricetin (which is preferably selected from plants in the genus Tea and / or Hovenia dulcis), and one or more hydrogenated substances (e.g. erythritol, xylitol, hydrogenated dihydromyricetin and / or quercetin dihydrate).

[0031] Another important aspect of the present invention is to provide a novel additive comprising a base product, the flavonoid dihydromyricetin and one or more hydrogenated substances with a solvent (eg a bicarbonate compound or an alcohol solvent), a pH balanced acid and / or a preservative.

[0032] Yet another important aspect of the present invention is to provide a novel additive for use with a base product to produce various enhanced products, wherein the additive is mixed with the base product during production of the base product or is added by the consumer or user after production of the base product.

[0033] As will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments, the present invention achieves or provides the above and other objects and aspects. As described herein and as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention lies in the novel features of the form, construction, mode of operation and process combination currently described and understood by the claims. The following description of the present invention is given for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims after discussion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, there are shown the preferred embodiment and the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention:

[0035] Figure 1 is a diagram showing components constituting a sweetener additive configured according to a first embodiment of the present invention having one or more flavonoids selected from the group consisting of flavonoids;

[0036] Figure 2 is a chart showing components making up a sweetener additive configured according to a second embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the use of one or more of an aldehyde reducing component, a glucose reducing component, and an alcohol reducing component; and

[0037] Figure 3 is a chart showing the components that make up the additives used to produce a reinforced product configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below, wherein the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention. The accompanying drawings illustrate several potential preferred embodiments, and therefore the accompanying drawings are included to represent several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations, and uses are shown, it should be understood that multiple variations of those components and their configurations described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings can be made without changing the scope and function of the present invention as described herein. For example, although the description and drawings included herein generally describe and illustrate specific materials and configurations of new additives, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, exemplary embodiments of the present device are illustrated and described using only those components required to disclose the present invention. Many necessary steps or components for making or using the present invention are not shown in the accompanying drawings or are not necessarily described below, but these steps or components are well known to those skilled in the relevant art. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the various elements of the present invention described below can be in any form consistent with the form that is easily implemented by those skilled in the art, who have knowledge of additives that can be used for food, beverages, chewing materials, medicines, cosmetics, etc. to produce enhanced products.

[0039] The novel additive configured according to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention is Figure 3 The foregoing disclosure also describes novel sweetener additives, which are generally shown as 50. Figure 1 to Figure 210. As described in more detail below, the novel additive 50 utilizes some of the same components and concepts described for the sweetener additive 10. The sweetener additive 10 includes a sweetener base 12 and flavonoids 14 derived from a flavonoid source 15, which may be a Hovenia dulcis plant (hereinafter, plants from the Hovenia dulcis plant are collectively referred to as Hovenia dulcis plants 16), which are combined together, and the Hovenia dulcis plant, such as Hovenia dulcis plants, may be suitable for the combination of the sweetener base 12 and the flavonoids 14 to form a unified mixed sweetener additive 10. The sweetener additive 10 is configured to be mixed with a consumable product 18, so that a person (as a consumer 20) who ingests the consumable product 18 will also ingest the sweetener additive 10, and most importantly, the flavonoids 14 from the Hovenia dulcis plant 16 mixed with the sweetener base 12. The consumable product 18 can be any type of food or beverage product that the consumer 20 can eat or drink. In addition, as described above and described in more detail below, the sweetener additive 10 can be added to the consumable product 18 during the production (i.e., baking, frying, freezing, mixing, etc.) of the consumable product 18, such as using the sweetener additive 10 as part of a recipe for making the consumable product 18 (commercially or privately), or the sweetener additive 10 can be added by the consumer 20 or a person on his or her behalf (e.g., a parent or caregiver), such as spraying, spreading, mixing, etc. More specifically, the new sweetener additive 10 may be able to be used in exactly the same manner as the sweetener base 12 is used alone or with the consumable product 18, and at least generally in the same amount. As described below, the sweetener base 12 is generally used as a stand-alone sweetener for the production and / or consumption of the consumable product 16 without using the flavonoids 14 in the new sweetener base 12.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, the sweetener matrix 12 for the sweetener additive 10 includes one or more sweeteners 22, which can be natural, artificial or a combination of natural and artificial components. In order to describe the sweetener additive 10, a common type of sweetener 22 suitable for use as the sweetener matrix 12 of the sweetener additive 10 is collectively referred to as "sucrose" 24. One type of sucrose 24 is called granulated sugar, which is a highly refined white sugar made from beets or sugar cane. Granulated sugar is also called flavored sugar, white sugar, refined sugar, beet sugar or sucrose. Another type of sucrose 24 is called raw sugar, which is sucrose produced by evaporating the juice of pressed sugar cane and then separating sugar crystals. As is well known in the art, raw sugar is a general term including any type of sucrose 24, which is minimally refined and retains some molasses coating on the crystal. Raw sugar includes but is not limited to such as secant sugar (secant), rapadura sugar (rapadura), brown granulated sugar (panela), coarse sugar, turbinado (turbinado) and demerara sugar. Secant sugar is an uncrystallized form of sucrose that is prepared by extracting the juice of sugar cane and then heating it until it forms a syrup, which is then cooled until sugar granules are formed. Secant sugar has a granular texture, rather than a crystalline texture, and is very dark in color because it retains some of the original nutrients. Rapadura sugar is a non-crystalline form of sucrose 24 that is prepared by extracting the juice of sugar cane and then heating it until it forms a syrup. The syrup is then cooled until sugar granules are formed. Like secant sugar, rapadura sugar has a granular, rather than a crystalline texture, and is very dark in color because it retains some of the original nutrients. Brown sugar and secant sugar are probably the least processed of all the sugars extracted from sugar cane. Brown sugar, also known as raspadura sugar or rapadura sugar, is also the least processed sucrose 24 prepared by boiling and pressing the juice of sugar cane. Raw sugar, also known as barbados sugar, has a strong flavor, is brown, and is a moist and somewhat sticky sucrose prepared by the first stage of crystallization. Because raw sugar is less processed than standard white sugar, the sugar retains more of the vitamins and minerals of the sugar cane. Turbinated sugar, also known as separated granulated sugar, is a sucrose with large light brown crystals 24, which is produced by crushing sugar cane and collecting the juice, then evaporating and spinning it in a centrifuge (or turbine). This sweetener is less processed than white sugar. The names turbinated sugar and demerara sugar are often used interchangeably. Demerara sugar is another minimally processed sucrose, which is prepared by steaming the juice of pressed sugar cane to form a thick syrup. The syrup is dehydrated to produce large, golden to medium brown crystals, slightly sticky and with a unique flavor and texture. Compared with white sugar, this sweetener is less processed and has lower calories.

[0041] Powdered sugar, also known as powdered sugar, icing sugar, and 10X sugar, is a highly refined sucrose 24 made from sugar beets or sugar cane that has been mechanically ground to produce an ultrafine powdered sugar. Concentrated cane juice (also known as dried cane juice, crystallized cane juice, cane crystals, cane juice crystals, and milled cane sugar) is a refined cane sugar 24 made from sugar cane that retains some of the nutrients of the sugar cane. Concentrated cane juice comes in many forms and has different names. This sweetener is slightly less processed than white sugar. Brown sugar is a highly refined white sugar that is mixed with varying amounts of molasses to produce a golden, light brown, or dark brown sugar. Sucrose 24 also includes fructose, glucose, sucrose, and galactose, all of which are refined sugars made from sugar cane or sugar beets. Flavored sugar is refined white sugar, consisting of equal amounts of the monosaccharides glucose and fructose linked together by chemical bonds. Galactose is a refined sweetener present in many commercially available products. Galactose molecules linked to glucose molecules form lactose molecules.

[0042] Another class of sweeteners 22 suitable for use as the sweetener matrix 12 of the sweetener additive 10 is collectively referred to herein as "other plant sugars" 26. One such other plant sugar 26 is called beet sugar, which is white sugar derived from beets. This sweetener is highly refined and has no nutritional value. Many people believe that products produced with beet sugar have a poor taste and texture compared to products made with sucrose. Corn syrup is another type of other plant sugar 26. This thick sweet syrup is prepared by heating corn starch with acid or by combining it with enzymes to break it down. Therefore, corn sugar is a highly refined sweetener and has almost no nutritional value. Corn syrup solids (also called dried glucose syrup or glucose syrup solids) are corn syrups concentrated to contain less than 10% water. Crystallized fructose is a sweetener produced by crystallizing the fructose of fructose-rich corn syrup. Agave is another plant sugar 26 that is commercially produced by several species of agave plants. Agave contains more concentrated fructose than high fructose corn syrup and has been shown to alter liver function, promote obesity, and increase insulin resistance in both diabetics and non-diabetics. Barley malt (also known as malt sweetener) is another plant sugar with a strong, unique flavor made from germinated barley26. Relatively expensive pure malt extract is often mixed with corn syrup, a less expensive product. Coconut sugar is produced from the sap of coconut buds (not the coconuts themselves). The sap is boiled to reduce the moisture content and then dehydrated. There are questions about the sustainability of producing coconut sugar, as the coconut trees from which the sap is extracted do not produce coconuts. Date sugar is actually not refined sugar at all, but just ground dates. This natural sweetener is high in fiber and nutrients and is considered a better choice than refined sweeteners. In some recipes, date sugar can be used instead of sugar. However, date sugar does not melt or dissolve in liquids like regular sugar. Dextrose is a highly refined crystalline glucose made from starch. Glucose produced from corn starch may be listed as "corn sugar," glucose produced from rice may be considered "rice sugar," and glucose produced from wheat may be listed as "wheat sugar."

[0043] Honey and fruit juice concentrates are also other plant sugars 26. Honey is a sweetener made by bees from plant nectar, which contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. The color and flavor of honey depends on the source of the nectar (clover, buckwheat, orange blossom, etc.). Another type of syrup 28 is fruit juice concentrate, which is a sweetener prepared by concentrating fruit juice. Fruit juice concentrates usually retain a small amount of nutrients and are more popular than many other types of sweeteners when sweetening fruit dishes. In one example, grape juice concentrate is combined with rice syrup to produce a sweetener. Maltodextrin is a highly refined sweetener made from rice, corn or potato starch. Maltose (also known as maltose (malt sugar)) is a sweetener made from malted grains. Mannitol is a sugar alcohol, unfortunately, known to cause digestive problems in some people. Maple syrup is a concentrated natural sweetener made by boiling juice from sugar maple trees.

[0044] Another class of sweeteners 22 suitable for use as the sweetener matrix 12 of the sweetener additive 10 is collectively referred to herein as "syrup" 28. A syrup 28 is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is a syrup made from corn that has been enzymatically treated to convert some of its glucose into fructose. Molasses (also known as treacle) is a thick, dark syrup that is a byproduct of producing beet sugar or sucrose 24. Sorghum syrup (sometimes called molasses) is a different product produced in a different way. Sorghum syrup (commonly known as sorghum molasses) is a syrup made by crushing the stems of the sorghum plant and then boiling the resulting syrup to concentrate it. Generally, sorghum syrup is a healthier choice than regular or blackstrap molasses, which is a type of molasses. Blackstrap molasses is a thick, sticky, dark syrup with a bitter taste, which is a waste material from processing sugar cane or beets into flavored sugar. Brown rice syrup is a thick, syrupy sweetener made from brown rice flour or brown rice starch cooked with enzymes. Some believe that brown rice promotes the growth of Candida (yeast) more than any other type of sweetener22.

[0045] Another class of sweeteners 22 suitable for use as the sweetener base 12 of the sweetener additive 10 is collectively referred to herein as "artificial sugars" 30. An example of an artificial sugar 30 is acesulfame-K, also known as (It is a registered trademark of Celanese Corporation). The artificial sugar 30 is a potassium salt containing methylene chloride, a known carcinogen. Long-term exposure to methylene chloride can cause headaches, nausea, emotional imbalance, and damage to the liver and kidneys. Another artificial sugar 30 is acesulfame, which has been shown to produce breast tumors, lung tumors and other types of tumors, leukemia and chronic respiratory diseases in rodents. Artificial sugar 30 aspartame is known by various brand names and is an artificial sweetener composed of about 50% phenylalanine, 40% aspartic acid and 10% methanol, and its sweetness is about 200 times that of sugar. It is reported that the side effects of using aspartame include abdominal pain, anxiety, arthritis, depression, headache, fibromyalgia, memory loss, nausea, palpitations, irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, nervous system diseases, vision problems and weight gain. The artificial sugar 30 has also been shown to damage bacteria in the intestines.

[0046] Another class of sweeteners 22 suitable for use as the sweetener matrix 12 of the sweetener additive 10 is collectively referred to herein as "other sugars" 32, which include, but are not limited to, lactose, sorbitol, and xylitol. As is well known, lactose is a sugar naturally present in dairy products. It is often the main factor leading to milk intolerance. Sorbitol and xylitol are alcohol sugars, which, unfortunately, can cause digestive problems for some people.

[0047] As mentioned above and as Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, the sweetener additive 10 includes an amount of a sweetener base 12, which is mixed or otherwise combined with an amount of one or more flavonoids 14 derived from a plant of the genus Hovenia dulcis 16. The novel sweetener base 12 may include any one or more sweeteners 22, including but not limited to the sweeteners 22 described above, such as sucrose 24, other plant sugars 26, syrups 28, artificial sugars 30, and other sugars 32. However, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the sweeteners 22 listed above are not limited to the sweeteners 22 that can be used as the sweetener base 12 of the sweetener additive 10. More specifically, the various sweeteners 22 listed as sucrose 24, other plant sugars 26, syrups 28, artificial sugars 30, and other sugars 32 may include: other types of sweeteners 22 within the subject categories, as well as sweeteners 22 that do not fit into these categories. Generally, any sweetener 22 selected for use in the sweetener base 12 is capable of providing a desired benefit to the consumable product 18, which is generally the reason such a sweetener 22 is selected, which is generally to improve the taste of the consumable product 18. The sweetener 22 may also be selected to provide the consumable product 18 with various health, body, color, and / or other benefits.

[0048] As described above, the novel sweetener additive 10 also includes an amount of one or more flavonoids 14 selected from a flavonoid source 15. Figure 1As shown, the flavonoids 14 of the sweetener additive 10 can be one or more flavonoids 14 selected from the group consisting of apigenin, flavanones, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, myricetin, dihydrokaempferol, dihydromyricetin, ampelopsis, epigallocatechin gallate and taxifolin. The source of the flavonoids 15 can be any source that can provide the desired flavonoids 14, whether they are obtained from organic sources (e.g., plants), produced in a laboratory, etc. In one embodiment, as Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, flavonoid 14 is derived from a plant in the genus Hovenia (i.e., Hovenia dulcis 16). Hovenia dulcis is a small genus of deciduous trees or shrubs in the family Rhamnaceae, a large family of flowering plants, mostly trees, shrubs, and some vines. The plant occurs naturally from India to Japan. Perhaps the best known variety is the Japanese or Oriental vine, the species known as Hovenia dulcis, which is found throughout Asia. While the tree produces edible fruit and can be used as an ornamental tree, the raisin tree is best known for its leaves, which can be brewed into a tea that has health benefits.

[0049] A variety of flavonoids can be extracted from the Hovenia dulcis plant 16 and used as the flavonoids 14 of the novel sweetener additive 10. More specifically, as described above and in Figure 1 to Figure 2 , flavonoids 14 extracted from plants in the plant genus Hovenia dulcis (Hovenia dulcis plant 16) can be mixed with one or more sweeteners 22 to produce a sweetener additive 10 that can be used to produce a consumable product 18 and / or added to be ingested with the ingestion of the consumable product 18. As described in more detail below, when a consumer 20 ingests a consumable product 18 having or in combination with the new sweetener additive 10, the flavonoids 14 in the new sweetener additive 10 will provide certain health benefits 34, including stimulating enzymes naturally present in the body of the consumer 20, making him or her who ingests the consumable product 18 both pleasant (due to the added sweetener 22 in the sweetener base 12) and healthier (due to the flavonoids 14). As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art, the various flavonoids 14 that can be used with the new sweetener additive 10 provide many different, sometimes overlapping, health benefits 34 to the consumer 18. For purposes of describing the attributes and benefits of the novel sweetener additive 10 , all such health benefits from the flavonoids 14 are collectively referred to herein as health benefits 34 , regardless of the type of physiological or psychological benefit that the flavonoids 14 provide to the consumer 18 .

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, flavonoids 14 selected from a source of flavonoids 15 (whether or not from the Hovenia dulcis plant 16) are selected for use in the new sweetener additive 10 to provide health benefits 34. As described below, the use of flavonoids 14 with the new sweetener additive 10 has been shown to have certain health benefits 34. As described above, Figure 1As shown, the relevant flavonoids 14 include apigenin, flavanones, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, myricetin, dihydrokaempferol, dihydromyricetin, ampelopsis, epigallocatechin gallate and taxifolin. These flavonoids 14, whether from Hovenia dulcis 16 or other flavonoid sources 15, have been studied and considered to have health benefits 34. For example, apigenin is a common dietary flavonoid that is abundant in many fruits, vegetables and Chinese herbs, providing health benefits 34, which provide consumers 18 with a variety of physiological functions, including but not limited to strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral activities and blood pressure reduction. Flavonoids of flavonoids have health benefits, including strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, reduced risk of certain chronic diseases, and prevention of some cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. The flavonoid kaempferol reduces the risk of chronic diseases (especially cancer). In addition, kaempferol enhances the body's antioxidant defense against free radicals, regulates apoptosis, angiogenesis, inflammation and metastasis. The flavonoid quercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are believed to help reduce inflammation, kill cancer cells, control blood sugar and help prevent heart disease. The flavonoid rutin helps to strengthen and increase the flexibility of blood vessels such as arteries and capillaries, which can improve the overall health of consumers. In addition, rutin may help alleviate related conditions, including bruises, spider veins and varicose veins. The flavonoid myricetin especially has the health benefits of improving insulin resistance and anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, anti-aldose reductase, anti-non-enzymatic glycation and anti-hyperlipidemic functions 34. All these functions can contribute to the prevention of diabetic complications. The flavonoid dihydrokaempferol is believed to provide potential health benefits due to its antioxidant properties 34. It has been shown that the flavonoid dihydromyricetin (also known as DHM or DMY) has certain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, mediated cell death and regulating lipid and glucose metabolism 34. The flavonoid dihydromyricetin has also been shown to reduce aldehydes (including acetaldehyde) in the body of consumers 18. Dihydromyricetin exhibits health-beneficial activity with minimal side effects. Ampelopsis (also known as dihydromyricetin) is a natural flavonoid (also found in the Chinese herbal medicine Ampelopsis grossedentata) that has multiple pharmacological functions including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer functions. The flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate (also known as EGCG) is a unique plant compound that is believed to have health benefits that can reduce inflammation, assist weight loss and help prevent heart and brain diseases 34. The flavonoid taxifolin has also been shown to provide benefits for cardiovascular health, pores and skin, cognitive function, infection, allergic reactions and immune deficiencies in addition to benefits for diabetics. However, the main benefits of taxifolin are its antioxidant efficiency and vascular defense activities.As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above-mentioned flavonoids 14 may be used alone, or more than one flavonoid 14 (or all) may be combined with the sweetener base 12 for use in the sweetener additive 10, such that a sweetener additive 10 having any one or more of the above-mentioned flavonoids 14 is within the scope of the present invention.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the above-described flavonoids 14 are not the only flavonoids 14 that may be derived from the Hovenia dulcis plant 16, and that the above-described health benefits 34 associated with those flavonoids 14 are unlikely to be the only health benefits 34 that may benefit the consumer 18. More specifically, further research on the Hovenia dulcis plant 16 may lead to the identification of additional flavonoids 14 that may be used with the sweetener additive 10 to provide one or more health benefits 34. Likewise, additional research and investigation of the above-described flavonoids 14, as well as any flavonoids 14 identified in the future from flavonoid 14 sources, including from the Hovenia dulcis plant 16, may identify other health benefits 34 that may benefit the consumer 16 consuming the consumable product 18 having or with the sweetening additive 10.

[0052] As described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16,998,933, having the same inventor as the present patent application, the flavonoid dihydromyricetin (DHM) is used in chewing gum to reduce aldehyde accumulation in the body of a consumer 18, whether such accumulation comes from drinking alcohol, or from pollution, smoking, e-cigarettes, and / or poor dietary habits, and / or for consumers 18 whose bodies cannot naturally process aldehydes well due to physiological or genetic reasons. The full and complete disclosure set forth in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16,998,933 is hereby incorporated herein as if fully set forth herein.

[0053] As mentioned above and as Figure 1 and 2As shown, the new sweetener additive 10 can be used to produce a consumer product 18, or it can be used for the intake of a consumer product 18, and the consumer 18 ingests either of these two products to achieve the health benefits 34 of the sweetener additive 10. The consumer product 18 can be virtually any food or beverage product, including meat, vegetables, fruits, and other foods and beverages, such as soda, juice, alcohol, alcohol mixtures, sports drinks, diet drinks, etc. The new sweetener additive 10 can be provided in liquid, granular, solid or other forms and directly incorporated into the consumer product 18, incorporated into a mixture (such as powdered beverages, gravies, sauces and similar mixtures), and / or used alone to replace sugar or artificial sweeteners added directly to beverages (such as coffee, tea, etc.). In one use of the sweetener additive 10, the sweetener additive 10 is used by a manufacturer or other producer of a food or beverage product in producing a consumable product 18 by using the sweetener additive 10 in place of or in addition to a sweetener 22 that the manufacturer or producer normally uses in producing the consumable product 18. In another use, the sweetener additive 10 is added to the consumable product 18 by the consumer 20 or a person on his or her behalf before or while ingesting the consumable product 18 to improve or enhance the taste of the consumable product 18. In either use, adding the sweetener additive 10 in place of or in addition to one or more other sweeteners 22 will also provide the consumer 20 with the health benefits 34 associated with the flavonoids 14 included in the sweetener additive 10, including those described above and stimulating enzymes naturally present in the consumer's body (all of which are health benefits 34). For purposes of manufacturing and using the sweetener additive 10, there is virtually no limitation as to the type, purpose, and / or configuration of the consumable product 18 and how or when (ie, at what stage of completion or consumption) the sweetener additive 10 is added to the consumable product 18.

[0054] The consumer 20 having the sweetener additive 10 or the consumable product 18 to which the sweetener additive 10 is added may be any person who may benefit from the health benefits 34 resulting from combining one or more flavonoids 14 with the sweetener base 12. Although not fully studied, it is expected that the sweetener additive 10 may also benefit certain animals (particularly dogs, cats, and other pets) that are consumers 18 thereof.

[0055] exist Figure 2In the second embodiment of the sweetener additive 10 shown, in addition to the flavonoids 14, the novel sweetener additive 10 also has one or more added enzymes 36, which are specifically selected to supplement the naturally occurring enzymes in the consumer's body in order to reduce the amount of aldehydes 38, glucose 40 and / or alcohol 41 in the bloodstream of the consumer 18 who ingests the consumable product 18 containing or added with the sweetener additive 10. The added enzymes 36 in the sweetener additive 10 may include at least one aldehyde reducing component 42, at least one glucose reducing component 44 and / or at least one alcohol reducing component 46, which are selected so that when the consumer 20 ingests the consumable product 18, the added enzymes 36 will be absorbed into the consumer's body to reduce the amount of aldehydes 38, glucose 40 and / or alcohol 41 in his or her body. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the inclusion of the added enzymes 36 will provide additional health benefits 34 as described herein to the consumer 20 of the consumable product 18 having the sweetener additive 10.

[0056] In one embodiment, the aldehyde reduction component 42 of the new sweetener additive 10 comprises aldehyde dehydrogenase. In another embodiment, the glucose reduction component 44 of the sweetener additive 10 comprises glucose oxidase and / or glucose dehydrogenase. In another embodiment, the alcohol reduction component 46 of the new sweetener additive 10 comprises alcohol dehydrogenase and / or alcohol oxidase. In yet another embodiment, the new sweetener additive 10 comprises aldehyde reduction component 42, glucose reduction component 44 and alcohol reduction component 46 in two or more combinations, so that the sweetener additive 10 has at least one of alcohol dehydrogenase, glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase, and / or aldehyde dehydrogenase and alcohol oxidase. In any of these configurations, the sweetener additive 10 will be able to provide the above-mentioned health benefits 34 (from flavonoids 14) and other health benefits 34, this is due to further reducing the level of aldehyde 38 and / or glucose 40 in the body of the consumer 20 of the consumer product 18 with the new sweetener additive 10. The added enzymes 36 will supplement the naturally occurring enzymes in the consumer's 20 body, and the flavonoids will stimulate both the added enzymes 36 and the naturally occurring enzymes.

[0057] When a consumer ingests a consumable product 18 having the novel sweetener additive 10, the addition of the aldehyde reducing component 42, glucose reducing component 44 and / or alcohol reducing component 46 with the flavonoid 14 utilizing the sweetener additive 10 will help to safely and effectively remove aldehydes 38, glucose 40 and / or alcohol 41 from his or her blood. More specifically, once the consumer 20 ingests the consumable product 18, his or her body's digestive process will cause the aldehyde reducing component 42, glucose reducing component 44 and / or alcohol reducing component 46 to be absorbed into his or her bloodstream through the stomach and other internal organs. As is well known in the art, once the consumable product 18 is consumed, the additive enzymes 36 will begin to act on the consumable product 18 in the stomach, and they continue to act on the glucose 40 and alcohol 41 components of the consumable product 18 as the consumable product 18 passes through the digestive process of the consumer 20, thereby converting the various glucose 40 and alcohol 41 (as ethanol) components before the small intestine directs these components into the bloodstream. With respect to the aldehyde reducing component 42, once absorbed into a person's bloodstream, the aldehyde reducing component 42 will react with the aldehydes 38 in the person's bloodstream to remove or at least reduce the amount of aldehydes 38 in his or her body (including by reducing the amount of glucose 40 and alcohol 41 added), thereby preventing or reducing the harmful effects of the accumulation of aldehydes 38 in the consumer's body. Similarly, once absorbed into a person's bloodstream, the glucose reducing component 44 will react with the glucose 40 in the person's bloodstream to remove or at least reduce the amount of glucose 40 in his or her body, which will prevent or reduce the harmful effects of the accumulation of glucose 40. The alcohol reducing component 46 will help remove the ethanol from the alcohol 41 to reduce the likelihood of the alcohol 41 entering the consumer's bloodstream.

[0058] As is well known in the art, the accumulation of aldehyde 38 (usually in the form of acetaldehyde) in the consumer's body can be caused by drinking. Not only is acetaldehyde a known carcinogen, its toxic effects are well-known causes of many side effects of drinking, particularly alcohol hangovers (as described in the background technology). It is known to remove acetaldehyde from a person's bloodstream to reduce hangover symptoms. When the ability of a person's body to oxidize acetaldehyde to acetate is inhibited (usually chemically or due to the genetic characteristics of some people), it is common to amplify hangover symptoms. In addition to introducing aldehyde 38 into a person's bloodstream through alcohol, aldehyde 34 is known to enter a person's bloodstream due to exposure to a variety of chemicals that exist or may exist in the environment, workplaces, and other places where people may often appear, as well as due to smoking, electronic cigarettes, and / or bad eating habits. As described in more detail below, no matter how the new sweetener additive 10 enters the consumer's bloodstream, the new sweetener additive 10 can safely and effectively remove aldehyde 38 (including but not limited to acetaldehyde) from the human bloodstream.

[0059] In the sweetener additive 10, acetaldehyde and other aldehydes 38 are removed from the human bloodstream by including an aldehyde dehydrogenase in the sweetener additive 10. More specifically, in one embodiment, the sweetener additive 10 includes a therapeutically effective amount of an aldehyde dehydrogenase. For the purpose of describing the sweetener additive 10, a therapeutically effective amount is an amount of an aldehyde dehydrogenase that is necessary, desired, or beneficial to interact with aldehydes 38 in human blood to reduce the level of aldehydes 38 to a safe level, which may be present in the bloodstream due to food, beverages, and / or alcohol 41 or from other sources (as described above), and which provides the various benefits sought by using the new sweetener additive 10, including preventing or reducing hangover symptoms when applicable. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the aldehyde dehydrogenase may be incorporated into the sweetener additive 10 in a variety of different ways, whether directly incorporated or incorporated as part of a compound containing an enzyme.

[0060] Likewise, by including glucose oxidase and / or glucose dehydrogenase in the sweetener additive 10, glucose 40 is removed from the human bloodstream. More specifically, in one embodiment of the new sweetener additive 10, the sweetener additive 10 comprises a therapeutically effective amount of glucose oxidase. In another embodiment, the new sweetener additive 10 has a therapeutically effective amount of glucose dehydrogenase. In yet another embodiment, the new sweetener additive 10 has both a therapeutically effective amount of glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase. For the purpose of describing the sweetener additive 10, the therapeutically effective amount is the amount of glucose oxidase and / or glucose dehydrogenase, which is the amount necessary, desired or beneficial to interact with the glucose 40 in the human body to reduce the level of glucose 40 in his or her body. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, glucose oxidase and glucose dehydrogenase can be incorporated into the sweetener additive 10 in various ways, whether directly incorporated or incorporated as a part of a compound containing these enzymes.

[0061] Likewise, by including alcohol dehydrogenase and / or alcohol oxidase in sweetener additive 10, alcohol 41 (such as ethanol) is removed from the bloodstream of consumer 20. More specifically, in one embodiment, sweetener additive 10 comprises alcohol dehydrogenase of therapeutically effective amount. In another embodiment, novel sweetener additive 10 has alcohol oxidase glucose dehydrogenase of therapeutically effective amount. In other embodiments, novel sweetener additive 10 has alcohol dehydrogenase of therapeutically effective amount and / or alcohol oxidase of therapeutically effective amount. For the purpose of describing novel sweetener additive 10, therapeutically effective amount is the amount of alcohol dehydrogenase and / or alcohol oxidase necessary, desirable or beneficial to interact with alcohol 41 in human bloodstream to reduce alcohol 41 level in his or her body. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, one or more alcohol dehydrogenases and / or alcohol oxidases can be incorporated into novel sweetener additive 10 in various ways, whether directly incorporated or incorporated as a part of a compound containing these enzymes.

[0062] As described above, the new sweetener additive 10 comprises a sweetener matrix 12 and one or more flavonoids 14 selected from a flavonoid source 15, which may be a plant of the genus Hovenia dulcis 16. The flavonoids are selected from the group including at least one of apigenin, flavanones, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, myricetin, dihydrokaempferol, dihydromyricetin, ampelopsis, epigallocatechin gallate and taxifolin. The sweetener matrix 12 consists of one or more sweeteners 22. The amount and type of flavonoids 14 in the sweetener additive 10 are selected to achieve a general or specific health benefit 34 purpose. The sweetener additive 10 is generally used in the same manner as the prior art sweetener 22, i.e., the sweetener additive 10 is included in the consumer product 18 during its manufacture or production, and / or added to the consumer product 18 before or before ingestion of the consumer product 18. Compared to the prior art sweeteners 22, the new sweetener additive 10 will provide health benefits 34 to the consumer 20 who ingests the consumable product 18. Specifically, as set forth in more detail above, the flavonoids 14 included in the new sweetener additive 10 provide a variety of health benefits 34, depending on the type and amount of flavonoids 14 in the sweetener additive 10 (including stimulating naturally occurring enzymes in the consumer's body to remove aldehydes 38, glucose 40, and / or alcohol 41). The added enzymes 36 (i.e., aldehyde-reducing components 42, glucose-reducing components 44, and / or alcohol-reducing components 46) are added to the flavonoids 14 in the sweetener additive 10 incorporated into or used with the consumable product 18, providing additional health benefits 34 of further reducing aldehydes 38, glucose 40, and / or alcohol 41 in the consumer's body by supplementing the naturally occurring enzymes in his or her body to further improve the health of the consumer 20 who ingests the consumable product 18. The action of the added enzymes 36 will also be stimulated by the flavonoids 14.

[0063] As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art, the amount of flavonoid 14 and the amount of aldehyde reducing component 42, glucose reducing component 44, and / or alcohol reducing component 46 in the sweetener additive 10 may be adjusted to achieve one or more health-related goals that will be achieved by ingesting the consumable product 18 having the sweetener additive 10. For example, such persons will readily appreciate that if a slower / lesser or faster / increased metabolism of aldehydes 38, glucose 40, and / or alcohol 41 is desired or required, the concentration of the aldehyde reducing component 42, glucose reducing component 44, and / or alcohol reducing component 46 in the sweetener additive 10 should be adjusted accordingly to determine a therapeutically effective amount that will provide the desired beneficial effect. When ingested, the new sweetener 10 will help improve the overall health of the consumer 20 who ingests the consumer product 18 having the sweetener 10, and if an aldehyde reducing component 42, a glucose reducing component 44 and / or an alcohol reducing component 46 is used in the sweetener 10, naturally occurring enzymes will be supplemented to further help consumers 20 who have problems with aldehyde 38 accumulation due to eating food and / or drinking beverages (including alcohol 41), or consumers who are exposed to aldehydes 38 due to pollution, smoking, e-cigarettes and / or poor eating habits, and / or those whose bodies cannot naturally process aldehydes 38 well due to physiological or genetic reasons, as well as those who have problems with glucose 40 and / or alcohol 41.

[0064] The novel additive 50 of the present invention shares some of the same components as the above-described sweetener additive 10 and has many of the same properties and benefits. Figure 3 As shown in , in one of the main embodiments, the new additive 50 is utilized by adding the additive 50 to a base product 54 to produce an enhanced product 52. In another embodiment, the additive 50 is formed into a pill, tablet, capsule, etc., typically without any other product (including the base product 54). The base product 54 can be any type of product to which the additive 50 is added, including but not limited to the consumer product 18 described above. More specifically, the base product 54 can be virtually any type of liquid, solid, powder, chewable, or coated product, such as a beverage, food, dietary supplement, chewable, condiment, sauce, medication, syrup, topical cream, cosmetic, soap, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, etc. As with the sweetener additive 10, the additive 50 is added to the base product 54 during the process of manufacturing the base product 54, before the consumer 20 ingests or uses the base product 54 (as the enhanced product 52), or at any other time to produce the enhanced product 52. As shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, for purposes of describing the novel additive 50 of the present invention, a person who ingests a food, beverage or other consumable product 18, chews a product, swallows a pill, tablet, capsule or syrup, applies a lotion, cosmetic, topical cream, etc., or uses a shampoo, conditioner, gel, etc. having the additive 50 of the present invention is hereinafter referred to as a "product user" 56. Different types of base products 54 are described more fully below. As described in more detail below, by ingesting or using an enhancement product 52, the product user 56 will improve his or her health and well-being.

[0065] like Figure 3 As best shown, in its broadest form, the additive 50 of the present invention generally comprises one or more specifically selected flavonoids 14 and one or more specifically selected hydrogenated substances 58, wherein the flavonoid source 15 is preferably a Hovenia dulcis plant 16 or a Camellia sinensis plant 17. In certain embodiments, the additive 50 also comprises at least one of a solvent 60, a pH-balancing acid 62, and a preservative 64. The novel additive 50 is advantageously configured to be added (e.g., by mixing, blending, etc.) to a base product 54, meaning that the novel additive 50 is produced in a manner that allows a product user 56 to easily or at least relatively easily add the additive 50 to the base product 54. For example, in some cases, the novel additive 50 will be formed into a powder that can be added, mixed, or otherwise incorporated into a base product 54, which can be a liquid, solid, or other powder, to form an enhanced product 52. In other cases, the additive 50 can be provided to product users 56, including manufacturers as well as end users, in a liquid or solid form that can be easily mixed with or ingested with certain types of base products 54. The additive 50 may also be provided to the product user 56 along with or as part of one or more other substances, including those described above for the sweetener additive 10 or various vitamins, supplements, or other substances, whether in liquid, pill, tablet, or other form, which would be considered beneficial to the product user 56 in using the additive 50.

[0066] As with the sweetener additive 10, the flavonoids 14 of the additive 50 of the present invention are selected to provide one or more health benefits 34 to the product user 56. Figure 3 As shown, regarding a preferred embodiment of the additive 50 of the present invention, the flavonoid 14 is dihydromyricetin 14a. As described above, the flavonoid 14 can also be used with the sweetener additive 10. In a preferred manner of making the novel additive 50, the dihydromyricetin 14a is obtained from a plant of the genus Hovenia 16 and / or a vine 17 (e.g., as a flavonoid source 15).

[0067] In order to be used as an additive 50 to achieve various purposes and to provide aspects of the present invention, the inventors have solved several problems about using dihydromyricetin 14a. One such problem is that dihydromyricetin 14a itself has a solubility of about 0.2mg / ml fluid, which is very low. Because the solubility of dihydromyricetin 14a is so low, it cannot be effectively used as a medicine or supplement, although the flavonoid 14 has well-known benefits to people (and some animals). Another problem with dihydromyricetin 14a is that it itself has a bioavailability of about 4%, which means that the dihydromyricetin 14a taken in has only about 4% to enter people's bloodstream and stay long enough to be bioeffective to product users 56. Another problem of dihydromyricetin 14a is that due to photosensitivity and other shelf life restrictions, dihydromyricetin 14a has poor stability. Mixing an effective amount of one or more solvents 60 (e.g., bicarbonate material 60a or alcohol solvent 60b) increases the solubility of dihydromyricetin 14a from about 0.2 mg per milliliter of fluid to about 114 mg per milliliter of fluid. Mixing an effective amount of hydrogenated material 58 (e.g., materials such as erythritol 58a) greatly improves the bioavailability of dihydromyricetin 14a. Regarding the shelf life issue, the inventors have found that mixing dihydromyricetin 14a with an effective amount of erythritol 58a and / or other hydrogenated materials 58 extends the shelf life of dihydromyricetin 14 due to the influence of the bond formed between the two substances. The inventors also found that combining dihydromyricetin 14a with an effective amount of a bicarbonate substance 60a (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) and erythritol 58a can maximize the bioavailability of dihydromyricetin 14a and other flavonoids 14 with low solubility and relatively low bioavailability, and increase the shelf life of dihydromyricetin 14a, thereby extending the shelf life of the additive 50.

[0068] The mechanism of the above interaction is that dihydromyricetin 14a can form a bond with sodium bicarbonate and / or other bicarbonates 60a, so that dihydromyricetin 14a is dissolved in water and other liquids. In addition, dihydromyricetin 14a can be combined with erythritol 58a and other hydrogenated substances 58, which allows dihydromyricetin 14a to be dissolved in water and other liquids. The inventors have found that the combination of dihydromyricetin 14a, sodium bicarbonate 60a and erythritol 58a is the most effective combination of dihydromyricetin 14a being dissolved in liquid at present, while helping to promote dihydromyricetin 14a to enter the blood of product users 56, because erythritol 58a can not only improve solubility, but also improve permeability (by acting as a vasodilator and promoting endothelial health). As known in the art, the combination of increased solubility and permeability directly relates to the bioavailability effectiveness of the material, i.e. its ability to enter the user's bloodstream.

[0069] The inventor also finds that when dihydromyricetin 14a is combined with a solvent, it can be dissolved in a larger amount. In particular, dihydromyricetin 14a and a solvent (such as an alcohol solvent and / or bicarbonate) are mixed, which can be bicarbonate powder or gas (such as sodium bicarbonate, etc.). The inventor also finds that when an alcohol solvent is added to the combination of flavonoid dihydromyricetin 14a and hydrogenated substance erythritol, the solubility and permeability of dihydromyricetin 14a are easily dissolved and improved. These combinations greatly provide the ability of product users 56 to obtain the benefits of dihydromyricetin 14a, and this benefit is otherwise difficult to obtain (that is, relative to consuming dihydromyricetin 14a alone).

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, hydrogenated substances 58 that have been found to be useful for mixing with flavonoid dihydromyricetin 14a to obtain the novel additive 50 of the present invention to produce an enhanced product 52 include: erythritol 58a, xylitol 58b, hydrogenated dihydromyricetin 58c and quercetin dihydrate 58d. Solvents 60 that are beneficial to the additive 50 of the present invention are bicarbonate compounds 60a and alcohol solvents 60b. Bicarbonate 60a may include substances such as sodium bicarbonate and may be used in powder and / or gas form. Alcohol solvents 60 and may include substances such as ethanol. It has been found or believed that the pH-balanced acid 62 that can be used to produce certain embodiments of the novel additive 50 may include substances such as phosphoric acid. It has been found or believed that the preservative 64 that can be used to produce certain embodiments of the novel additive 50 may include: substances such as sodium benzoate. As described in the examples below and elsewhere in the present disclosure, when the new additive 50 is mixed with the base product 54 to produce the enhanced product 52, the use of solvent 60, pH-balanced acid 62 and / or preservative in the new additive 50 provides one or more benefits. For some enhanced products, the additive is mixed with the base product 54, added or injected into the base product 54 to produce the enhanced product 52. As those skilled in the relevant art will readily appreciate, the components that make up the additive 50 (including the flavonoid dihydromyricetin 14a and the hydrogenated substance 58) and the manner with or without solvent 60, pH-balanced acid 62 and / or preservative 64 can be combined in any manner that is considered appropriate, practical and effective. Similarly, as those skilled in the relevant art will also readily appreciate, the manner in which the additive 50 can be combined with the base product 54 to obtain or produce the enhanced product 52 can be achieved in a variety of different ways, which can be selected based on effectiveness, cost, the skills of the worker or product user 56, the availability of suitable equipment and any other factors that are considered relevant to any person or entity using the new additive 50.

[0071] like Figure 3As shown, the base product 54 to which the novel additive 50 is added or utilized may include a variety of different liquid products 66, solid products 68, powder products 70, chewable products 72, pharmaceuticals 74, cosmetics 76, and coated products 78. Figure 3 As shown, the resulting enhanced product 52 may also be any type of liquid product 66, solid product 68, powder product 70, chewable product 72, pharmaceutical product 74, cosmetic product 76, and coated product 78, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the relevant art.

[0072] It has been determined that certain features of the enhanced product 52 and base product 54 associated with the novel additive 50 of the present invention include: (1) the addition of erythritol 58a to dihydromyricetin 14a greatly increases the ability of dihydromyricetin 14a to dissolve in water; (2) a mixture of dihydroxymyricetin 14a and erythritol 58a (in a ratio of about 1:4) is more soluble at room temperature than dihydroxymyricetin 14a alone; (3) a mixture of dihydromyricetin 14a and erythritol 58a (in a ratio of about 1:4) is more soluble than a mixture of these substances in a ratio of about 1:4. 1:10 (or greater)); (4) the new additive 50 can be used in a variety of beverage forms, including water-based, acidic carbonated and alcoholic (up to about 40% alcohol by volume or ABV) beverages; (5) it is possible to prepare stable beverages containing relatively high concentrations of the additive 50 under mild heating and low pH; (6) generally, low pH is conducive to the stability of dihydromyricetin 14a; and (7) the new additive 50, comprising at least dihydromyricetin 14a and the hydrogenated substance 58, is more stable in a low pH model recovery beverage than in plain water.

[0073] Several example compositions of the novel additive 50, and in certain embodiments the incorporation of the additive 50 into a base product 54 to produce an enhanced product 52 are set forth below:

[0074] Example #1 - Recovery Powder (Powder Product 70)

[0075] 259 mg of dihydromyricetin 14a is mixed with 6.22 g of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) at a ratio of about 1:24, and mixed with 207 g of sodium bicarbonate 60a (as solvent 60) to produce a novel additive 50. The novel additive 50 in powder form (preferably with 155 mg of Monk Fruit BS and 155 mg of Stevia to sweeten the additive 50) is added to a 12 oz glass or bottle of water (as base product 54) to produce enhanced water (as enhanced product 52).

[0076] Example #2 - Restored Powder (Powder Product 70)

[0077] 259 mg of dihydromyricetin 14a is mixed with 6.42 g of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) in a ratio of about 1:24 to produce a novel additive 50. The novel additive 50 in powder form (preferably with 155 mg of Monk Fruit BS and 155 mg of Stevia to sweeten the additive 50) is added to 12 oz of hot coffee or tea (as base product 54) to produce enhanced coffee or tea (as enhanced product 52).

[0078] Example #3 - Restoration of Alcohol / Spirits (Liquid Product 66)

[0079] 450 mg of dihydromyricetin 14a is mixed with 4.5 g of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) in a ratio of 1:10 to produce a new additive 50. The new additive 50 is added to a 750 mL bottle of 80-proof liquor, such as vodka, etc. (as a base product 54) to produce a bottle of enhanced alcohol (as an enhanced product 52). 4.95 g of the new additive 50 (per 750 ml bottle of 80-proof liquor) can be added by the manufacturer before bottling, and / or by the consumer after opening the bottle (e.g., a consumer product additive). The general rule for alcohol is that 16.5 mg of the additive 50 is contained in every 1 mL of actual alcohol, whether it is beer, wine, alcoholic carbonated beverages, spirits, or the like. For example, 750mL of vodka with an alcohol content of 40% (80 degrees) contains 300mL of alcohol and requires 4.95g of the new additive 50; 750mL of wine with an alcohol content of 12% contains 90mL of alcohol and requires 1.485g of the new additive 50; 340mL of beer with an alcohol content of 6% contains 20.4mL of alcohol and requires 336mg of the new additive 50.

[0080] Example #4 - Beverage as a health drink or alcohol mixer (liquid product 66)

[0081] 50 mg of dihydromyricetin 14a is mixed with 500 mg of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) to produce the novel additive 50. The manufacturer adds 550 mg of the novel additive 50 to a can or bottle (whether 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz or 24 oz) of soda, water, energy drink or the like before bottling the beverage and / or after the consumer opens the bottle to produce an enhanced beverage (as enhanced product 52).

[0082] Example #5 - Beverage as a recovery drink (liquid product 66)

[0083] 300 mg of dihydromyricetin 14a is mixed with 3 g of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) to produce the novel additive 50. The manufacturer adds 3.3 g of the novel additive 50 to a can or bottle (whether 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz or 24 oz) of soda, water, energy drink or the like before the beverage is bottled and / or after the consumer opens the bottle to produce an enhanced recovery beverage (as enhanced product 52).

[0084] Example #6 - Capsules or Tablets (Drug 74)

[0085] 100 mg of dihydromyricetin 14a is mixed with 600 mg of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) and 100 mg of sodium bicarbonate 60a (as solvent 60) to produce a novel additive 50. The novel additive 50 is added to an 800 mg capsule or the novel additive is compressed into an 800 mg tablet (as a reinforced product 52).

[0086] Example #7 - Shampoo (Cosmetic Product 76)

[0087] 5 g of dihydromyricetin 14a is mixed with 50 g of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) to produce a new additive 50. The manufacturer adds 55 g of the new additive 50 to each bottle of shampoo (as base product 54) before bottling and / or after the consumer opens the bottle to produce a fortified shampoo (as fortified product 52).

[0088] Example #8 - Emulsion (Coated Product 78)

[0089] 2.5 g of dihydromyricetin 14a is mixed with 25 g of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) to produce a novel additive 50. The manufacturer adds 27.5 g of the novel additive 50 to each bottle of emulsion (as base product 54) before bottling and / or after the consumer opens the bottle to produce an enhanced emulsion (as enhanced product 52).

[0090] Example #9 - Sweetener (Powder Product 70)

[0091] One part of dihydromyricetin 14a is mixed with 50 parts of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) and 0.75 parts of sodium bicarbonate 60a (as solvent 60) to produce a new additive 50. The new additive 50 is added to monk fruit and / or stevia extract (as base product 54) to produce an enhanced sweetener (enhanced product 52) ​​according to taste and sweetness requirements.

[0092] Example #10 - Sweetener (Powder Product 70)

[0093] One part of 20:1 raisin tree extract (as a source of dihydromyricetin 14a) is mixed with 5 parts of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) to produce a new additive 50. Depending on the taste and sweetness requirements, the new additive 50 is added to monk fruit and / or stevia extract (as base product 54) to produce an enhanced sweetener (enhanced product 52).

[0094] Example #11 - Sweetener (Powder Product 70)

[0095] One part of raisin tree extract (as a source of dihydromyricetin 14a) is mixed with 5 parts of erythritol 58a (hydrogenated substance 58) at a ratio of 10:1 to produce a novel additive 50. The novel additive 50 is added to monk fruit and / or stevia extract (as base product 54) to produce an enhanced sweetener (as enhanced product 52) ​​depending on the taste and sweetness requirements.

[0096] As described above and shown in the examples, the novel additive 50 of the present invention can be used with a variety of liquid products 66, solid products 68, powder products 70, chewable products 72, medicines 74, cosmetics 76 and coated products 78. Also as described above, the novel additive 50 can be used alone in capsule or tablet form, which can be swallowed with a glass of water or other liquid as needed, dissolved in a liquid (e.g., with an antacid, etc.) and / or chewed (as a chewable product 72) before drinking. The liquid product 66 can be water, juice, sports drink, protein drink, carbonated beverage, spirits, beer, alcoholic mixed drinks, wine, coffee, tea, etc. The solid product 68 can be food, candy, chocolate, energy bar, protein bar, etc. The powder product 70 can be provided in a form that is available to consumers, such as taking out the required amount in a container (i.e., similar to chocolate powder, etc.) or in a small individual package (i.e., similar to a sugar bag, etc.). Powder formulas can be combined with almost anything because, as powders, they are soluble and highly bioavailable. However, in general, the more acidic the base product is, the more bicarbonate is needed to change the pH balance. The chewable product 72 can be only the additive 50, and can be of a type that allows a person to easily chew a tablet or solid capsule, and can be mixed with a sweetener or other flavoring agent if necessary, or the additive 50 can be mixed with a base product 54 (such as chewing gum or other chewables). The medicine 74 can contain only the additive 50, or if necessary, the additive 50 can be mixed with a drug, vitamin or other drug or drug-type product. The cosmetic 76 can be a product such as a shampoo, conditioner, lipstick, facial powder, etc. The coating product 78 can be any type of product placed on a person or animal, such as a moisturizing lotion, sunscreen, sunburn lotion (such as a lotion with aloe vera, etc.), a cleaning lotion, a healing lotion, an ointment, etc. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the relevant art, the above embodiments are provided only for exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the new additive 50 of the present invention in any way. Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the relevant art that the new additive can be used with many other products, including products that are not in one of the above categories.

[0097] In a preferred configuration, the new additive 50 comprises an all-natural ingredient that produces a unique nutraceutical delivery method with excellent solubility and bioavailability. The additive 50 provides the best application, utilization and concentration of dihydromyricetin 14a (which usually has very low solubility and permeability), to allow people to more easily use or ingest the additive and obtain the benefits of dihydromyricetin 14a. More specifically, as described above, the new additive 30 increases the solubility and permeability of dihydromyricetin 14a from .2mg per ml exponentially to a maximum of 114mg* (increased 570 times). In addition, the additive 50 comprises an all-natural vasodilator that opens the cells in the entire digestive tract to accelerate absorption into the bloodstream and approach complete absorption when arriving in the small intestine. Once the additive 50 enters the mouth of the person, it begins to be absorbed, and the effect is immediate and highly effective in small doses. In addition, the new additive 50 requires an effective amount of an additive that is far less than other attempts to achieve some benefits obtained using the new additive 50. Dihydromyricetin 14a (DHM or DMY) is a well-investigated and studied flavonoid commonly used in health supplements. The original source of dihydromyricetin 14a is the Japanese raisin tree, which has been used for over a thousand years to recover from hangovers. Pure dihydromyricetin 14a comes from vine tea extract, while the original source of dihydromyricetin 14a (i.e., raisin tree extract) is most commonly used in foods and beverages.

[0098] The dihydromyricetin 14a provided by the new additive 50 can be used (based on research) for alcoholism, anxiety, diabetes, liver health, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, aging, neurological diseases and traumatic brain injury, etc. As mentioned above, dihydromyricetin 14a catalyzes the enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which process ethanol and its toxic byproduct acetaldehyde. The dihydromyricetin mitochondrial biosynthesis process maintains bioenergetics, reduces oxidative stress and activates lipid oxidation pathways. Dihydromyricetin 14a also catalyzes glucose dehydrogenase (GDH). When sugars enter the body, the liver needs these enzymes to break down those sugars. However, when the body encounters excess ethanol and / or glucose in the form of sugars, it strives to completely convert them into essentially vinegar (acetate) and water. On the contrary, the human body tends to convert sugars into acetaldehyde, "hoping" that the body can subsequently process the toxins. Adding dihydromyricetin 14a enables the human body to process sugars in a fast and proactive way of converting sugars, while also eliminating the need to store acetaldehyde. The new additive 50 contains a highly effective dose of dihydromyricetin 14a, so that people who ingest the additive 50 will not experience the short-term and long-term harmful health effects of acquiring and storing acetaldehyde. In addition, dihydromyricetin 14a helps regulate GABA, which is essential for maintaining a healthy mood state. An imbalance in GABA causes stress and anxiety, which can lead to additional health problems.

[0099] Although specific forms of the present invention are shown and described herein, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements of design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, there may be many components of the embodiments described herein, which can be easily replaced with equivalent functional components to achieve the purposes of the present invention and obtain the desired aspects of the present invention. The various embodiments set forth herein are intended to explain the best mode of making and using the present invention currently known and understood by the inventors, and to enable those skilled in the relevant art to make and utilize the present invention. Although the described embodiments may include different features, not all of these features are required in every embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, certain embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features and / or combinations of features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An additive for improving the health and well-being of a user of a product, wherein: The additives include: an effective amount of one or more hydrogenating substances added to or integrated with the base product; and one or more flavonoids in combination with the hydrogenated substance, the one or more flavonoids selected from a flavonoid source providing one or more health benefits to a product user using the enhanced product, the one or more flavonoids comprising dihydromyricetin, The additive is advantageously configured to be ingested by the product user alone, for example in the form of a tablet or capsule, or in combination with a base product, wherein the additive is added to the base product during the production of the base product and / or is added to the base product after the production of the base product but before the product user eats, chews, swallows, drinks or applies the enhanced product to form an enhanced product.

2. The additive according to claim 1, wherein The one or more hydrogenated substances are selected from the group consisting of erythritol, xylitol, hydrogenated dihydromyricetin and quercetin dihydrate.

3. The additive according to claim 1, wherein The flavonoid source is at least one of a plant of the genus Hovenia and a plant of the genus Hovenia. The additive according to claim 1 , further comprising a solvent.

5. The additive according to claim 4, wherein The solvent includes at least one of an alcohol solvent and a bicarbonate compound.

6. The additive of claim 1 further comprising a pH balancing acid.

7. The additive of claim 1, further comprising a preservative.

8. The additive according to claim 1, wherein The base product is one of a liquid product, a solid product, a powder product and a chewable product.

9. The additive according to claim 1, wherein The base product is a pharmaceutical product.

10. The additive according to claim 1, wherein The base product is one of a cosmetic and a coating product.

11. An additive added to a base product to produce an enhanced product for improving the health and well-being of a product user of the enhanced product, wherein: The additives include: an effective amount of one or more hydrogenated substances added to or integrated with the base product, the hydrogenated substances comprising at least one of erythritol, xylitol, hydrogenated dihydromyricetin, and dihydrated quercetin; and one or more flavonoids, in combination with the base product and the hydrogenated substance, the one or more flavonoids being selected from a flavonoid source, providing one or more health benefits to a user of the product using the enhanced product, the one or more flavonoids comprising dihydromyricetin and the flavonoid source, and the flavonoid source being at least one of a Croton dahurica plant and a Hovenia dulcis plant, Therein, the additive is advantageously configured to be added to the base product during production of the base product and / or to be added to the base product after production of the base product but before the product user eats, swallows, chews, drinks or applies the enhanced product.

12. The additive of claim 11, further comprising at least one of an alcohol solvent and a bicarbonate compound.

13. The additive according to claim 1, wherein The enhanced product is one of a liquid product, a solid product, a powder product, a chewable product, a medicine, a cosmetic, and a coating product.

14. An enhanced product for improving the health and well-being of a product user of the enhanced product, wherein: The enhanced products include: one or more hydrogenated substances; and one or more flavonoids in combination with the hydrogenated substance, the one or more flavonoids selected from a flavonoid source providing one or more health benefits to a user of the product using the enhanced product, the one or more flavonoids comprising dihydromyricetin, Wherein, the enhanced product is configured to be ingested by the user of the product alone, for example in the form of a tablet or capsule, or in combination with a basic product.

15. The enhanced product of claim 14, wherein: The flavonoid source is at least one of a plant of the genus Hovenia and a plant of the genus Hovenia.

16. The enhanced product of claim 15, wherein: The one or more hydrogenated substances are selected from the group consisting of erythritol, xylitol, hydrogenated dihydromyricetin and quercetin dihydrate.

17. The enhanced product of claim 14, wherein: The one or more hydrogenated substances and the one or more flavonoids are added to the base product during the production of the base product and / or are added to the base product after the production of the base product but before the product user eats, chews, swallows, drinks or applies the enhanced product to form the enhanced product.

18. The reinforced product of claim 17, wherein: The flavonoid source is at least one of the Ampelopsis pilosula plant and the Hovenia dulcis plant, and the one or more hydrogenated substances are selected from the group consisting of erythritol, xylitol, hydrogenated dihydromyricetin, and quercetin dihydrate.

19. The enhanced product of claim 1 further comprising at least one of a pH balancing acid and a preservative.

20. The enhanced product of claim 14, further comprising a solvent, the solvent comprising at least one of an alcohol solvent and a bicarbonate compound.

Images