Medicinal and edible plant beverage and combined beverage and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a medicinal and edible plant beverage, a combined beverage and a preparation method. The medicinal and edible plant beverage comprises the following raw materials: corncob essence, watermelon vine essence and wax gourd vine essence. The medicinal and edible plant beverage prepared by the method enriches the varieties of medicinal and edible plant beverages in the market, and ensures the activity of nutritional ingredients and drinking convenience through unique formula and packaging design.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of food processing, and in particular to a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a combination beverage and a preparation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Plant-based beverages with both medicinal and edible properties are beverages based on traditional Chinese medical theory, made from plant ingredients that can be used as both food and medicine. These plants are believed in TCM to have the ability to regulate the body, prevent disease, or promote health, and they are also common ingredients in daily life. Despite the vast variety of plants with both medicinal and edible properties, relatively few have actually been developed into beverages in practice. The existing market is flooded with plant-based beverages using similar ingredients, such as chrysanthemum and wolfberry, but these lack differentiation and struggle to meet the personalized needs of consumers.

[0003] The medicinal and edible plant beverages on the market will precipitate after the plant powder is dissolved. The plant materials with medicinal and edible properties usually contain a variety of bioactive ingredients, cellulose, protein, etc., some of which are insoluble in water, and the solubility of each component varies greatly. Some plant components may form colloids or suspensions in water, which will settle over time, causing liquid stratification, and thus shortening the shelf life of the medicinal and edible plant beverages.

[0004] Therefore, a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a preparation method are proposed, which can effectively solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a combination beverage and a preparation method, enrich the types of medicinal and edible plant beverages on the market, and ensure the activity of the nutritional components of the medicinal and edible plant beverages and the convenience of drinking.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a medicinal and edible plant beverage is provided, wherein the raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage include corn cob essence, watermelon vine essence and wax gourd vine essence.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage include: 3 to 5 parts by weight of the corn cob essence, 3 to 5 parts by weight of the watermelon vine essence, and 3 to 5 parts by weight of the wax gourd vine essence.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the medicinal and edible plant beverage further comprises: 1 to 3 parts by weight of a sweetener,

[0009] The sweetener comprises one or more of honey, rock sugar powder, trehalose, inulin and steviol glycoside.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the medicinal and edible plant beverage is in the form of a solid powder or a concentrated liquid.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medicinal and edible plant combination beverage, comprising the medicinal and edible plant beverage according to the above claims and a beverage container, wherein:

[0012] The beverage container is used to hold mineral water;

[0013] The beverage container comprises a sealed storage compartment, and the sealed storage compartment is used for containing the medicinal and edible plant beverage.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage, comprising:

[0015] Extract corn cob essence, watermelon vine essence and wax gourd vine essence respectively;

[0016] The corn cob essence, watermelon vine essence and wax gourd vine essence are mixed and stored in a sealed storage compartment at the mouth of the beverage bottle;

[0017] Prepare mineral water, and put the mineral water into a beverage bottle;

[0018] The medicinal and edible plant beverage is packaged on an aseptic production line.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the weight percentage of the mineral water is 450-550;

[0020] The weight portion of the corncob essence is 3 to 5;

[0021] The weight portion of the watermelon vine essence is 3 to 5 parts;

[0022] The weight portion of the wax gourd vine essence is 3 to 5 parts.

[0023] According to some embodiments, extracting the corncob essence comprises:

[0024] Choose fresh or dried corn cobs and wash them;

[0025] Cut the corn cob into small pieces and extract it with water at 80°C to 100°C for 30 to 60 minutes;

[0026] performing two to three extractions, collecting the filtrate after each extraction, and removing impurities from the filtrate;

[0027] The filtrate is concentrated to obtain a concentrated solution of corncob essence.

[0028] According to some embodiments, extracting the corncob essence further comprises:

[0029] The concentrated solution of the corncob essence is freeze-dried or spray-dried to obtain the corncob essence powder.

[0030] According to some embodiments, extracting the watermelon vine extract comprises:

[0031] Choose fresh watermelon vines, wash and chop;

[0032] Extracting the watermelon vine solution by water extraction or using ultrasonic wave to extract the watermelon vine solution;

[0033] filtering and concentrating the watermelon vine solution by evaporation to obtain a concentrated solution of watermelon vine essence;

[0034] The concentrated solution of the watermelon vine essence is freeze-dried or spray-dried to obtain the watermelon vine essence powder.

[0035] The medicinal and edible botanical beverages of this exemplary embodiment use corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines as raw materials. These plants have diuretic, anti-edema, heat-clearing, and detoxifying properties, making them suitable for development into functional beverages with specific health benefits, such as helping to eliminate excess water or alleviate edema. These ingredients are relatively rarely used in commercial beverages, offering novel options to the market.

[0036] In some embodiments, corn cob extract, watermelon vine extract, and wax gourd vine extract are mixed in proportion and stored in a sealed storage compartment at the mouth of the beverage bottle. When ready to drink, the mixture is immediately released, allowing the extracts in the sealed storage compartment to mix with the mineral water in the bottle. This not only effectively solves the problem of precipitation after dissolution and long-term storage, which is common in traditional botanical beverages, but also provides users with a convenient and refreshing drinking experience.

[0037] According to some embodiments, to enhance the taste of a medicinal and edible plant beverage while providing health benefits, one or more of honey, rock sugar powder, trehalose, inulin, and steviol glycosides may be added to the medicinal and edible plant beverage. By properly selecting and combining these sweeteners, the taste of the medicinal and edible plant beverage can be effectively improved while also taking into account health factors, meeting the needs of modern consumers for low-sugar, low-calorie beverages.

[0038] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only and are not restrictive of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments.

[0040] Figure 1A flow chart of a method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be embodied in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals in the drawings represent like or similar parts, and thus repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] In addition, the described features, structures or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. In the following description, many specific details are provided to provide a full understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the technical solutions of the present invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, devices, steps, etc. may be adopted. In other cases, known methods, devices, implementations or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring various aspects of the present invention.

[0043] The blocks shown in the drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically separate entities.

[0044] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, the first component discussed below could be referred to as the second component without departing from the teachings of the present inventive concept. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are merely schematic diagrams of example embodiments, and the modules or processes in the drawings are not necessarily necessary for implementing the present invention, and therefore cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] Food-and-medicine botanical beverages are drinks based on traditional Chinese medical theory, made from botanical ingredients that can be used as both food and medicine. These plants are believed in TCM to have health-regulating effects, preventing disease, or promoting health. They are also common ingredients in daily life. These food-and-medicine botanical beverages not only quench the thirst of regular beverages but also offer certain health benefits.

[0047] Combining the properties of traditional Chinese herbal medicines, such as corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines, which have been shown to regulate adrenal hormone secretion, clear away heat and detoxify, promote blood circulation, and promote dampness, swelling, inflammation, and stone removal, this invention uses extraction technology to combine the essences of these plants with mineral water to create a more easily absorbed and convenient beverage with kidney-nourishing properties.

[0048] Considering that most of the medicinal and edible plant beverages on the market are stored by pre-mixing all the ingredients and then filling them into bottles, however, this method has a short shelf life. After long-term storage, the plant powder of the medicinal and edible plant beverages will precipitate after dissolution.

[0049] To this end, the present invention proposes a medicinal and edible plant beverage and a preparation method, which can provide a convenient and healthy medicinal and edible plant beverage, solving the problem that medicinal and edible plant beverages in the existing market are of single variety and difficult to store.

[0050] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the embodiments and drawings.

[0051] According to the exemplary embodiment, the raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage are corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines, which enriches the types of medicinal and edible plant beverages on the market.

[0052] According to some embodiments, corncobs, which are the remaining portion of the corn kernels removed from the cob, are readily available and contain flavonoids, which exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Corncobs are rich in fiber and minerals, and the polysaccharides in them help enhance immune system function. They also contain electrolytes, such as potassium, which help maintain the body's water and electrolyte balance and promote the excretion of excess water. They are often used as an adjunct to the treatment of edema and hypertension. Due to their diuretic properties, corncobs can help reduce the burden on the kidneys, promote the excretion of toxins, and thus contribute to kidney health.

[0053] Watermelon vines are the tender stems and leaves of the watermelon. The flavonoids in the vines act as antioxidants, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. They also contain important electrolytes, such as potassium, which helps maintain normal water and electrolyte balance. They also help regulate adrenal hormone secretion, which is beneficial for maintaining homeostasis and coping with stress. Watermelon vines can be used to clear heat and toxins from the body, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with heat, such as fever and sore throat. Similar to corn cobs, watermelon vines are believed to have a diuretic effect, helping to eliminate excess water and reduce edema.

[0054] Winter melon vines, which are the stems and leaves of winter melon, contain flavonoids that act as antioxidants, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients that contribute to normal physiological function. Winter melon vines promote blood circulation and alleviate problems caused by poor blood flow. They also clear away heat and detoxify, often used to reduce edema caused by excess moisture and help eliminate excess water. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.

[0055] The raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage selected in the present invention are mainly based on the plants' own effects of clearing away heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, activating collaterals, promoting dampness and reducing swelling and inflammation. The purpose is to promote kidney health and anti-inflammatory and stone-removing effects through natural ingredients.

[0056] Due to the unique fibrous texture of corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines, eating them directly may feel a bit rough. Corn cobs are generally used to boil water for drinking or medicinal purposes and should not be eaten directly. Wax gourd vines, which are derived from the stems and leaves of the wax gourd, differ from the fruit in that they are more fibrous and have a tougher structure, requiring longer cooking time to soften. Therefore, to enhance the nutritional benefits of corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines, we have extracted corn cob extract, watermelon vine extract, and wax gourd vine extract, respectively.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the process of extracting corn cob essence includes selecting fresh or dried corn cobs, washing them, cutting the corn cobs into small segments, extracting them using water at 80°C to 100°C for 30 to 60 minutes, performing two to three extractions, collecting the filtrate after each extraction, removing impurities in the filtrate, and concentrating the filtrate to obtain a concentrated solution of corn cob essence, at which point the corn cob essence is in a liquid state. The liquid concentrated solution of corn cob essence is freeze-dried or spray-dried to obtain a solid powder of corn cob essence.

[0058] The process of extracting watermelon vine extract involves first selecting fresh watermelon vines, washing them, and chopping them. Water extraction or ultrasonic extraction is then performed to produce a watermelon vine solution, which uses ultrasonic energy to accelerate cell wall rupture and promote the release of the active ingredient. The watermelon vine solution is then filtered and evaporated to produce a concentrated solution of watermelon vine extract. The liquid concentrate is then freeze-dried or spray-dried to produce a solid powder of watermelon vine extract.

[0059] The process for extracting wax gourd vine extract is similar to that for extracting watermelon vine extract. The wax gourd vines are washed and chopped, and then a vine solution is extracted using water or ultrasound. The ultrasonic energy accelerates cell wall rupture, promoting the release of active ingredients. The vine extract is then filtered and concentrated by evaporation to obtain a liquid wax gourd vine extract. This liquid wax gourd vine extract is then freeze-dried or spray-dried to obtain a solid powder of wax gourd vine extract.

[0060] Since the three ingredients of corn cobs, watermelon vines and wax gourd vines are all derived from natural plants, it is considered that there may be interactions between them that affect the stability and taste of the product. The ratio of the raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage is 3 to 5 parts by weight of the corn cob essence, 3 to 5 parts by weight of the watermelon vine essence, and 3 to 5 parts by weight of the wax gourd vine essence. Each raw material of corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines contains different active ingredients, such as flavonoids, minerals, and other bioactive substances. Taking into account the differences in needs of different groups of people, it may be necessary to personalize the formula in actual production to meet specific health needs.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] Corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines are combined in a 1:1:1 ratio, with 4 parts corn cob extract, 4 parts watermelon vine extract, and 4 parts wax gourd vine extract. Since each of these ingredients offers unique health benefits, combining them in equal proportions helps balance their respective strengths, providing a more comprehensive health drink option. By combining these ingredients in equal proportions, they complement each other for a more comprehensive health benefit. For example, corn cobs may promote diuresis and reduce swelling, watermelon vines may help regulate adrenal hormone secretion and clear heat and detoxify, while wax gourd vines help promote blood circulation and eliminate dampness and swelling. The combination of these three ingredients can have a synergistic effect in promoting kidney health and improving edema.

[0063] Example 2

[0064] If you're more interested in diuretic and swelling-reducing effects, you can increase the proportion of corncob or wax gourd vine extract appropriately: 4 parts by weight corncob extract, 3 parts watermelon vine extract, and 5 parts wax gourd vine extract. Corncob is known for its significant diuretic properties, helping to promote the excretion of excess water and alleviate edema symptoms. Increasing the proportion of corncob extract can further enhance the drink's diuretic properties and help alleviate discomfort caused by water retention. Wax gourd vine also has excellent diuretic and swelling-reducing effects, making it particularly suitable for alleviating edema caused by excess moisture. Increasing the proportion of wax gourd vine extract can enhance the overall formula's effectiveness in removing excess water. While watermelon vine's primary benefits aren't primarily related to diuresis and swelling, it does contain a variety of antioxidants, has heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, and regulates adrenal hormone secretion. Adding watermelon vine extract in moderation not only enriches the drink's functionality but also works synergistically with the other two ingredients to promote health.

[0065] Example 3

[0066] To enhance the heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, increase the watermelon vine ratio: 3 parts by weight of corncob extract, 5 parts by weight of watermelon vine extract, and 4 parts by weight of wax gourd vine extract. Increasing the watermelon vine extract to 5 parts by weight significantly enhances the drink's heat-clearing and detoxifying abilities, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with heat, such as fever and sore throat. This combination not only effectively clears heat from the body but also helps maintain overall balance through the additional benefits provided by corncob and wax gourd vine. For example, diuretic and swelling-reducing properties help reduce burden on the kidneys and promote toxin excretion, while promoting blood circulation and activating meridians helps improve blood circulation.

[0067] Because different plant materials have distinct flavors and aromas, a reasonable ratio can help blend the various flavors, allowing the finished product to retain its unique characteristics while maintaining harmony, thereby increasing consumer acceptance. Corncobs have a light, slightly sweet flavor; watermelon vines, extracted from the tender stems and leaves, have a refreshing flavor with a slight vegetal fragrance that is not overly strong. The extracted watermelon vine extract will modify the original botanical taste characteristics but will not add any unpleasant flavors. Winter melon vines have an elegant, slightly sweet flavor. The extracted winter melon vine extract will modify the original botanical taste characteristics but will not add any unpleasant flavors. The commonality between these three ingredients is that they are all relatively light, without an overly prominent flavor. Therefore, adding sweeteners can enhance the taste of the drink.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the sweetener may optionally be one or more of honey, rock sugar powder, trehalose, inulin, and steviol glycoside, and the weight proportion of the sweetener is 1 to 3. Appropriate adjustment of the proportion of each ingredient helps to optimize the taste of the final beverage.

[0069] Food-and-medicine botanical beverages are in solid powder or concentrated form. If the corncob extract, watermelon vine extract, and wax gourd vine extract in these beverages are in liquid form, honey can be used as a sweetener. Honey has good solubility and its paste-like fluidity is compatible with the liquid state of the ingredients in these beverages. Natural honey not only provides a natural sweetness but also contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the beverage. Furthermore, honey has a unique aroma that adds a rich flavor to the beverage.

[0070] If the corncob extract, watermelon vine extract, and wax gourd vine extract in the edible-medicinal plant beverage are in powdered form, the sweetener should be one or more of rock sugar powder, trehalose, inulin, and steviol glycosides. Rock sugar powder provides a natural, pure sweetness that moistens the lungs and relieves coughs, making it suitable for those who prefer not to use artificial sweeteners. Trehalose, a disaccharide naturally found in fungi and algae, is low in sweetness, heat-resistant, acid-resistant, and highly stable. It has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, is less likely to cause tooth decay, and helps maintain stability. Inulin, a dietary fiber extracted from chicory roots, has a slightly sweet taste and can act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, supporting digestive health, and helping to control blood sugar levels. Steviol glycosides, natural sweeteners extracted from the stevia plant, are virtually calorie-free and do not spike blood sugar, making them suitable for diabetics or those who need to reduce their sugar intake.

[0071] The aforementioned sweeteners can be mixed and used in appropriate proportions based on the target consumer's taste preferences and health needs. For example, a small amount of rock sugar powder provides a base sweetness, while a moderate amount of steviol glycosides enhances sweetness without adding calories, and inulin improves nutritional value and smoothness. By rationally selecting and combining these sweeteners, not only can the taste of beverages based on corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines—both medicinal and edible plants—be effectively enhanced, but health considerations can also be taken into account, creating a beverage option that is both delicious and healthy.

[0072] The ratio of the present invention is fine-tuned based on the research on the homology of medicine and food and the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine as well as actual testing to achieve the established functional goals without losing a good taste, ensuring that the overall balance will not be destroyed while meeting specific needs.

[0073] From the perspective of the homology of medicine and food, corn cobs have the effects of diuresis, detumescence, clearing away heat and detoxification, and are often used as an auxiliary treatment for diseases such as nephritis and hypertension. Corn cobs are rich in flavonoids, polysaccharides, minerals (such as potassium), etc., which help promote water metabolism in the body and improve edema symptoms. Watermelon vines have the effects of regulating adrenal hormone secretion, clearing away heat and detoxifying. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are believed to help clear "heat toxins" from the body and have a certain effect on relieving symptoms such as fever and sore throat. The various antioxidants in watermelon vines can reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the body and support the health of the immune system. Winter melon vines have the effects of promoting blood circulation, clearing away heat and detoxifying, and promoting dampness and detumescence. They are suitable for improving blood circulation, reducing edema and promoting digestion. The vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber in winter melon vines help maintain normal physiological functions and promote intestinal health.

[0074] In summary, by rationally combining the strengths of these three ingredients, the drink maintains its essential nutritional value while also highlighting its specific health benefits. This combination embodies the concept of medicine and food sharing its origins—utilizing natural ingredients in our daily diet to prevent and treat disease—while also adhering to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Five Elements theory to achieve overall conditioning and optimization of human functions.

[0075] In Traditional Chinese Medicine's Five Elements theory, the kidneys are believed to be responsible for managing the body's water balance and excretion function. The kidneys belong to the Kan hexagram, symbolizing water, deep energy reserves, and inner tranquility.

[0076] According to historical records, corncobs, due to their diuretic and swelling-reducing properties, are associated with the "Water" element, corresponding to the kidneys and bladder. Corncobs help regulate water metabolism and play a vital role in maintaining fluid balance. Furthermore, as "Water" generates "Wood," moderate consumption of corncobs can also benefit liver health, promote blood purification, and eliminate toxins. Watermelon and winter melon vines belong to the "Wood" element in the Five Elements, representing growth, expansion, and development, while also having a dredging effect. Watermelon vines have a significant heat-clearing and detoxifying effect, making them suitable for clearing heat from the body. In the Five Elements, "Fire" represents the heart and small intestine, and watermelon vines have a similar effect of reducing internal heat, helping to calm symptoms caused by excessive heart fire, such as irritability and dry mouth.

[0077] According to the Five Elements principle of mutual generation, "wood" generates "fire," but under certain conditions, "wood" can also aid the flow of "water" through its dredging effect. This is particularly true when addressing issues caused by excessive dampness, where the dredging effect of "wood" can help remove excess water and alleviate symptoms of edema. Using watermelon and wax gourd vines, two wood plants, can enhance the fluidity and efficiency of "water" through their dredging properties, thereby helping to improve various issues caused by renal insufficiency or poor water metabolism. This practice aligns with the concept of dynamic balance in Five Elements theory, which aims to restore overall harmony in the body by adjusting the relationships between the different elements.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the Five Elements principle, "fire" generates "earth." In this theory, the spleen belongs to "earth," responsible for transporting and transforming water and dampness. Appropriate use of watermelon vines can also indirectly support the function of the spleen and stomach. Winter melon vines also have the properties of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting dampness and reducing swelling, and are particularly effective at addressing issues caused by excess dampness. Therefore, by promoting water metabolism, winter melon vines can reduce the burden on the body and maintain spleen and stomach health.

[0079] The combination of corn cobs, watermelon vines and winter melon vines can not only cover multiple health needs, from promoting water metabolism to clearing heat and toxins from the body to improving digestive system function, but also, according to the theory of the Five Elements, there is an inherent harmony between these ingredients, which complement each other and work together on different internal organ systems to form a relatively complete health care network.

[0080] According to some embodiments, a medicinal and edible plant beverage can also be added with mineral water to produce a medicinal and edible plant liquid beverage, which can be combined with a beverage container to produce a medicinal and edible plant combination beverage, wherein the beverage container is used to hold the mineral water, and the beverage container includes a sealed storage compartment for holding the medicinal and edible plant beverage. Mineral water contains a variety of minerals and trace elements that are beneficial to the human body, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These components are very important for maintaining normal physiological functions of the human body. By using mineral water as a base, the nutritional content of the beverage can be naturally increased without the addition of additional chemical synthetic substances.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the mineral water may be mountain spring water. Mountain spring water is favored by consumers for its rich mineral content. However, as a natural resource, improperly treated mountain spring water can pose safety risks, including harmful microorganisms, parasites, and heavy metal contamination. Therefore, before using mountain spring water as a beverage, it must undergo effective purification and treatment.

[0082] Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0083] See also Figure 1 , in S101, corn cob essence, watermelon vine essence and wax gourd vine essence are extracted respectively.

[0084] According to some embodiments, corn cob extract, watermelon vine extract, and wax gourd vine extract are extracted separately.

[0085] The corncob extract extraction process includes selecting fresh or dried corncobs, washing them, cutting them into small pieces, extracting them using water at 80°C to 100°C for 30 to 60 minutes, performing two to three extractions, collecting the filtrate after each extraction, removing impurities from the filtrate, and concentrating the filtrate to obtain the corncob extract. The liquid corncob extract is freeze-dried or spray-dried to obtain a solid powder of corncob extract.

[0086] The process for extracting watermelon vine extract involves selecting fresh watermelon vines, washing and chopping them, and then extracting a watermelon vine solution using water extraction or ultrasonic extraction. The ultrasonic energy accelerates cell wall rupture and promotes the release of active ingredients. The watermelon vine solution is then filtered and evaporated to obtain a liquid watermelon vine extract. The liquid watermelon vine extract is then freeze-dried or spray-dried to obtain a solid powder of the watermelon vine extract.

[0087] The process for extracting wax gourd vine extract is similar to that for extracting watermelon vine extract. The wax gourd vines are washed and chopped, and then a solution is extracted using water or ultrasound. The ultrasonic energy accelerates cell wall rupture, promoting the release of active ingredients. The wax gourd vine extract is then filtered and concentrated by evaporation to obtain a liquid wax gourd vine extract. This liquid wax gourd vine extract is then freeze-dried or spray-dried to produce a solid powder of wax gourd vine extract.

[0088] According to a predetermined ratio, 3 to 5 parts by weight of corncob essence, 3 to 5 parts by weight of watermelon vine essence and 3 to 5 parts by weight of wax gourd vine essence constitute the medicinal and edible plant beverage raw materials.

[0089] In S103, the corncob essence, watermelon vine essence and wax gourd vine essence are mixed and stored in a sealed storage compartment at the mouth of the beverage bottle.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the corn cob essence, watermelon vine essence and wax gourd vine essence are mixed and stored in a sealed storage compartment at the mouth of the beverage bottle. The sealed storage compartment can store solid powder essences or liquid essences.

[0091] The beverage container for the medicinal and edible herbal combination beverage of the present invention has a unique bottle cap structure, with a small, independent space provided in the bottle cap as a sealed storage compartment for storing the mixed essence. To ensure the freshness of the essence and protect the active ingredients, the storage compartment has excellent sealing properties. A fixed amount of essence is filled into the sealed storage compartment of each bottle and immediately sealed.

[0092] The sealed storage compartment design allows consumers to release the essence into mineral water before drinking. This ensures the essence's quality remains intact during long-term storage while ensuring easy consumption. This approach not only improves product convenience and user experience, but also maximizes the preservation of the plant essence's active ingredients, providing consumers with a novel and healthy beverage option.

[0093] In S105 , mineral water is prepared and filled into a beverage bottle.

[0094] According to some embodiments, mineral water is prepared, wherein the weight ratio of the mineral water is 450 to 550. Purified mineral water is selected, which contains trace elements beneficial to the human body and can enhance the overall nutritional value of the beverage. The filtered and sterilized mineral water is filled into a beverage bottle.

[0095] In S107, the medicinal and edible plant beverage is packaged on an aseptic production line.

[0096] According to some embodiments, the essence and the mineral water are packaged on an aseptic production line, and the filling bottles and bottle caps are thoroughly sterilized by hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet light to ensure that the sanitary conditions of the packaging materials meet food safety standards.

[0097] After sealing, necessary quality tests are carried out, including checks on microbiological indicators, physical and chemical properties, to ensure that each batch of products meets the specified quality standards. "Shake well before drinking" is indicated on the product label to inform consumers.

[0098] The preparation method of the edible and medicinal plant beverage of this example embodiment combines the production process of high-efficiency filtration and purification, precise proportioning and mixing, and aseptic filling technology, which not only ensures the safety and nutritional value of the edible and medicinal plant beverage, but also retains its health benefits to the greatest extent, meeting the needs of modern consumers for natural and healthy drinks.

[0099] The packaging design of the edible and medicinal herbal beverage in this exemplary embodiment separates the essence and mineral water during storage. Unscrewing the bottle cap and shaking the bottle allows the essence in the sealed compartment to mix with the mineral water in the bottle. This not only provides a convenient and fast drinking experience for the edible and medicinal herbal beverage, but also ensures the stable quality of the beverage throughout its shelf life. The unique packaging design and twist-open mechanism release the essence in the sealed compartment and dissolve it in the mineral water within the bottle, making it easy to drink and ensuring that the essence and spring water mix during consumption, preserving the activity of the nutrients.

[0100] To ensure the quality and safety of edible and medicinal plant beverages, strict quality control points should be followed. The following tests should be conducted during the preparation of edible and medicinal plant beverages:

[0101] Process monitoring for the preparation of herbal beverages with medicinal and edible properties: We select fresh, pollution-free, pest-free ingredients, including visual inspection, pesticide residue testing, and heavy metal content testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards. The entire packaging process should be conducted on a sterile production line to prevent microbial contamination. Automated filling equipment is used to ensure the exact amount of essence and mineral water in each bottle. The sealing performance of the bottle cap and body is tested online to prevent leakage and external contamination.

[0102] The medicinal and edible botanical beverage prepared by the method of this exemplary embodiment is not only rich in minerals from mountain spring water and nutrients from corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines, but also undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure product safety, stability, and effectiveness. Such a beverage is suitable for daily consumption by those pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

[0103] This exemplary embodiment implements the above-mentioned quality control measures on the medicinal and edible plant beverage, which can effectively ensure the safety, stability and effectiveness of the medicinal and edible plant beverage, meet the expectations of consumers and comply with the requirements of laws and regulations.

[0104] The concept of medicine and food having the same origin means that some ingredients can be used as part of daily diet and also have certain medicinal value and can be used to prevent and treat diseases.

[0105] According to some embodiments, each bottle of the medicinal and edible botanical beverage contains 500 ml of mineral water, 4 parts by weight of corn cob extract, 4 parts by weight of watermelon vine extract, 4 parts by weight of wax gourd vine extract, and 1 part by weight of a sweetener. The sweetener may be selected from one or more of honey, rock sugar powder, trehalose, inulin, and steviol glycosides, depending on the intended target audience.

[0106] By designing a rational blend and combining it with the diuretic effect of corncobs, it promotes kidney health and aids in the expulsion of kidney stones. Watermelon vines are believed to regulate adrenal hormone secretion and have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying. Adrenal hormones play a key role in regulating the body's stress response and metabolism. Winter melon vines promote blood circulation, clear heat and detoxify, and promote dampness and swelling, helping to alleviate edema and inflammation. This results in a more balanced, more accessible health drink that not only offers rich nutritional value but also a pleasant taste, making it suitable for long-term consumption and health preservation.

[0107] According to some embodiments, a population evaluation of a medicinal and edible plant beverage is conducted in combination with the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with the aim of evaluating the potential benefits of a medicinal and edible plant beverage composed of corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines on human health.

[0108] The age range of participants was 18 to 65 years old, with a total of 60 participants.

[0109] An experimental group (drinking a medicinal and edible plant beverage made from corn cobs, watermelon vines and wax gourd vines) and a control group (not drinking the beverage or drinking a placebo) were set up, with 30 people in each group across all age groups.

[0110] Experimental period: 4 to 8 weeks, considering that it may take some time for the body's response to dietary changes to appear, and longer observation time helps to more accurately assess the long-term effects.

[0111] Before the experiment begins, baseline data will be collected from all participants, including but not limited to self-reported scores on mental state, sleep quality, skin condition, digestive function, and other aspects. Throughout the experiment, questionnaires or other forms of data collection will be conducted every week or two to understand changes in participants' feelings and health improvements. A comprehensive evaluation will be conducted after the experiment concludes, comparing the differences in various indicators between the experimental and control groups.

[0112] According to the characteristics of corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines and the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the experimental group showed the following improvements after regularly consuming the medicinal and edible plant beverage of this embodiment:

[0113] Compared to the control group, participants in the experimental group reported increased urine output and reduced swelling, particularly around the eyelids and ankles upon waking. This effect is attributed to the diuretic properties of both corncobs and winter melon vines. Young people experiencing high stress levels and consuming greasy foods reported a reduction in symptoms that can easily lead to "heatiness," including improved dry mouth, sore throat, fewer acne breakouts, and better skin. These benefits are attributed to the heat-clearing and detoxifying properties of watermelon and winter melon vines. Some participants also noted relief from constipation, smoother digestion, and reduced bloating. Winter melon vines are believed to promote blood circulation and improve digestion. Some participants reported feeling more energetic, happier, and calmer. These plants contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can help boost the immune system.

[0114] The experimental group members evaluated that the medicinal and edible plant beverage had a light plant aroma, was easy to drink, and had a refreshing and sweet aftertaste.

[0115] Using a controlled experimental design can help scientifically verify the actual effects of corn cobs, watermelon vines, and wax gourd vines on herbal beverages with both medicinal and edible properties, providing strong data support for the promotion of herbal beverages with both medicinal and edible properties. Comparing the results of the experimental and control groups, those who drank the herbal beverage rated it as neither too bland nor too strong, suiting most tastes.

[0116] This embodiment uses a medicinal and edible plant beverage made from all-natural ingredients. The extracted corn cob essence, watermelon vine essence, and wax gourd vine essence are combined with mineral water in a unique packaging design, which is convenient for carrying and storage. The beverage is prepared by a ready-to-drink mixing method, in which the essence is dissolved in mineral water and shaken well to obtain the medicinal and edible plant beverage. The beverage is suitable for the busy pace of modern life, and long-term consumption helps promote kidney health.

[0117] It should be noted that for the aforementioned method embodiments, for simplicity of description, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations, but those skilled in the art should be aware that the present invention is not limited to the order of the actions described. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also be aware that the embodiments described in this specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily required for the present invention.

[0118] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0119] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0120] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are specifically shown and described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the detailed structure, configuration or implementation described herein; on the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended clauses.

Claims

1. A medicinal and edible plant beverage, characterized in that: The raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage include corn cob essence, watermelon vine essence and wax gourd vine essence.

2. The medicinal and edible plant beverage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The raw materials of the medicinal and edible plant beverage include: 3 to 5 parts by weight of the corn cob essence, 3 to 5 parts by weight of the watermelon vine essence, and 3 to 5 parts by weight of the wax gourd vine essence.

3. The medicinal and edible plant beverage according to claim 2, characterized in that: The medicinal and edible plant beverage also includes: The sweetener comprises 1 to 3 parts by weight, wherein the sweetener comprises one or more of honey, rock sugar powder, trehalose, inulin and steviol glycoside.

4. The medicinal and edible plant beverage according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medicinal and edible plant beverage is in the form of solid powder or concentrated liquid.

5. A medicinal and edible plant combination beverage, comprising the medicinal and edible plant beverage according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a beverage container, wherein: The beverage container is used to hold mineral water; The beverage container comprises a sealed storage compartment, and the sealed storage compartment is used for containing the medicinal and edible plant beverage.

6. A method for preparing a medicinal and edible plant beverage, characterized in that: include: Extract corn cob essence, watermelon vine essence and wax gourd vine essence respectively; The corn cob essence, watermelon vine essence and wax gourd vine essence are mixed and stored in a sealed storage compartment at the mouth of the beverage bottle; Prepare mineral water, and put the mineral water into a beverage bottle; The medicinal and edible plant beverage is packaged on an aseptic production line.

7. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that The weight percentage of the mineral water is 450-550; The weight portion of the corncob essence is 3 to 5; The weight portion of the watermelon vine essence is 3 to 5 parts; The weight portion of the wax gourd vine essence is 3 to 5 parts.

8. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that Extracting the corncob essence includes: Choose fresh or dried corn cobs and wash them; Cut the corn cob into small pieces and extract it with water at 80°C to 100°C for 30 to 60 minutes; performing two to three extractions, collecting the filtrate after each extraction, and removing impurities from the filtrate; The filtrate is concentrated to obtain a concentrated solution of corncob essence.

9. The preparation method according to claim 8, characterized in that Extracting the corncob essence also includes: The concentrated solution of the corncob essence is freeze-dried or spray-dried to obtain the corncob essence powder.

10. The preparation method according to claim 6, characterized in that The watermelon vine extract is extracted including: Choose fresh watermelon vines, wash and chop; Extracting the watermelon vine solution by water extraction or using ultrasonic wave to extract the watermelon vine solution; filtering and concentrating the watermelon vine solution by evaporation to obtain a concentrated solution of watermelon vine essence; The concentrated solution of the watermelon vine essence is freeze-dried or spray-dried to obtain the watermelon vine essence powder.

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