Method for preparing guarana compound extract and application of guarana compound extract in cigarettes

Abstract

The invention provides a method for preparing a guarana compound extract and application of the guarana compound extract in cigarettes, and relates to the technical field of additives for cigarettes. The preparation method comprises the following steps: drying and crushing pretreated guarana seeds, extracting by using supercritical CO2, performing three-stage separation and purification on an extracting solution by using a ceramic membrane, and compounding different separation products to obtain the guarana compound extract. When the obtained guarana compound extract is added into cigarettes, the strength and irritation of the cigarettes can be modified, release of harmful ingredients is reduced, smoke is softer and milder, richer taste levels are brought, and due to the fact that the core active ingredient guarana has a mellow bitter taste, the core active ingredient guarana has a synergistic effect with other ingredients, and the taste of the cigarettes is improved. The bitter and sweet taste is realized, and the bitter and fragrant taste is balanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of tobacco additives, and in particular to a method for preparing a guarana compound extract and application thereof in cigarettes. Background Art

[0002] After decades of development, Chinese cigarettes have developed distinct characteristics that set them apart from many other international cigarette brands. For example, they emphasize high-quality tobacco leaf production areas and pursue a mellow, comfortable, delicate, and full-bodied flavor. Flue-cured tobacco is the dominant product type, and different brands carry specific regional cultural connotations and consumer habits. However, with increasing consumer health awareness and stricter industry regulations, Chinese cigarettes are facing pressure to innovate in terms of reducing harm and tar content, as well as product innovation.

[0003] As an integral part of the cigarette production process, tobacco flavor and fragrance research and development plays an increasingly crucial role in the evolution of Chinese cigarettes, evolving from a supporting role to a core technical pillar supporting the distinctiveness and competitiveness of Chinese cigarettes. Scientifically adding flavoring and ingredients to cigarettes can, to varying degrees, enhance flavor and moisturize, modify smoke, and reduce tar and harshness, playing a crucial role in shaping and strengthening category characteristics and brand recognition.

[0004] Extracting active ingredients from plants and applying them to cigarette production has been a hot topic in tobacco flavor and fragrance research and development in recent years. For example, in the area of ​​moisturizing and enhancing flavor, patent application number CN200810230710.8 discloses a method for extracting aloe polysaccharides and their application in cigarettes. Regarding harm reduction, patent application number CN201110241463.3 discloses a method for preparing a cigarette harm reducer using extracts of licorice, ginkgo biloba, epimedium, and astragalus. Regarding flavor innovation, patent application number CN201910885511.9 discloses a Sichuan peppercorn-flavored essence for popping cigarette beads and its application in cigarettes. With the optimization and innovation of extraction processes, natural plant extracts have shifted from simple flavoring to functional enhancement.

[0005] Guarana, a plant of the genus Sapindaceae, native to the Amazon Basin of Brazil, is a member of the Sapindaceae family. Its main components include protein, starch, polysaccharides, crude fiber, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. It is also rich in secondary metabolites such as methylxanthines, flavonoids, nucleosides, and organic acids, with caffeine and tannin content reaching 3.2% to 7.0%. Due to its antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and stimulant properties, it is widely used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. In China, guarana extract is primarily used as a natural flavoring in foods, particularly functional beverages, sports drinks, juice drinks, and jelly drinks. However, its application in cigarettes has been less studied. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention, developed against this backdrop, provides a method for preparing a guarana compound extract and its application in cigarettes. Adding the resulting guarana compound extract to cut tobacco can improve the punch and irritation of cigarettes, reduce the release of harmful components, and soften the smoke, providing a richer, more complex taste. The extract also possesses a unique guarana flavor.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a guarana compound extract, comprising the following steps:

[0009] a. Grinding the pre-treated guarana seeds to obtain guarana powder (grinded to 20-100 mesh); the pre-treatment includes screening, impurity removal, washing, drying and shelling steps.

[0010] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a is loaded into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO2 extraction to obtain a guarana solution; the extraction pressure is set to 250-350 bar, the extraction temperature is 35-45° C., the extraction time is 2-3 h, and the entrainer is 5-10% aqueous ethanol.

[0011] c. Separating the guarana solution obtained in step b using a 100 nm ceramic membrane, a 50 nm ceramic membrane, and a 5 nm ceramic membrane in sequence to obtain four separated products: a 100 nm cutoff solution, a 50 nm cutoff solution, a 5 nm cutoff solution, and a 5 nm permeate;

[0012] d. Mix the 50 nm cutoff liquid and the 5 nm permeate obtained in step c to obtain the guarana composite extract.

[0013] Furthermore, in step b, the extraction method may also use ultrasonic heating extraction or ethanol extraction. In the present invention, the mass ratio of the guarana powder to ethanol for ethanol extraction is 1:(5-50), the set temperature is 30-60°C, and the extraction time is 1.5-4 hours. The present invention utilizes the above method to extract guarana, and the weight of the final tincture obtained is more than 100 times the weight of the dry guarana powder. If it is insufficient, additional ethanol needs to be added to reach the corresponding concentration of guarana solution.

[0014] Furthermore, in step c, the conditions during the three-stage separation process are: a temperature of 30-45°C, and an initial pressure in front of the instrument of 0.15-0.35 MPa. Preferably, the conditions during the three-stage separation process are: a temperature of 35°C, and an initial pressure in front of the instrument of 0.25 MPa. During the membrane separation, ethanol is continuously added until the mass of the permeate reaches ±5% of the mass of the original solution, at which point the membrane separation stage is completed.

[0015] Furthermore, in step d, the volume ratio of the 50nm intercepted liquid and the 5nm permeate is 1:(0.5-2). The compounding ratio is determined based on the effect of the guarana compound extract in the cigarette. When it is necessary to improve the inhalation smoothness and modify the smoke, a volume ratio of 50nm intercepted liquid and 5nm permeate of (1-2):1 is used; when it is necessary to improve the strength, reduce the smoke irritation, and enhance the layered feeling of the smoke aroma, a volume ratio of 50nm intercepted liquid and 5nm permeate of 1:(1-2) is used.

[0016] Guarana solution that has not been separated by membrane contains substances such as high-molecular polysaccharides, starch, colloids, and plant cells, and has a large amount of impurities. If it is directly added to cigarettes, it will produce foreign smells, covering up the original tobacco fragrance and adversely affecting the smoking experience. The present invention adopts three-stage membrane separation technology to further separate and compound the guarana extract, and then apply it to tobacco products. The main components of the 50nm retentate are medium-molecular proteins / polysaccharides, partially bound polyphenols / tannins and fat-soluble substances. The polysaccharides and colloids have good water retention and film-forming properties, which help to maintain the moisture content in the tobacco, reduce the dryness, and make the smoke more moist and smooth when entering the mouth. The main components of the 5nm permeate are guarana, small-molecule polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, organic acids, and soluble sugars. Guarana imparts a mellow bitter flavor, while small-molecule polyphenols have strong antioxidant properties, reducing some free radicals in the smoke. Saponins are surface-active, softening the smoke. Small-molecule aroma compounds undergo a Maillard reaction upon heating, both modifying and supplementing the smoke, increasing its complexity, masking unpleasant aromas, and enhancing the complexities of the cigarette. The strategically designed volume ratio of the 50nm interception fluid to the 5nm permeate fluid fully maximizes the active ingredients of the guarana extract, enriching and harmonizing the smoke, reducing the release of irritating, impure gases and harmful components, and improving the smoking experience.

[0017] The second object of the present invention is to provide a guarana compound extract prepared by the above method.

[0018] A third object of the present invention is to provide an application of a guarana compound extract in the preparation of cigarettes.

[0019] The application of the present invention is to provide a cigarette, comprising the above-mentioned guarana compound extract, wherein the addition amount of the guarana compound extract is 0.05-0.5% of the mass of tobacco in the cigarette, for example, it can be 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, or 0.5%.

[0020] Furthermore, the guarana compound extract is added to the tobacco shreds in a spraying manner during the feeding process.

[0021] Compared with the existing technology, the present invention utilizes ceramic membrane three-stage separation and purification technology to compound 50nm interception liquid and 5nm permeate to obtain a guarana compound extract. Adding the extract to cigarettes can modify the strength and irritation of cigarettes, reduce the release of harmful components, make the smoke softer and warmer, and bring a richer taste level. Its core active ingredient, guarana, has a mellow bitter taste, and through the synergistic effect with other ingredients, it presents a unique flavor that is bitter at first but then sweet, with a balanced bitterness and fragrance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following non-limiting examples are provided to enable those skilled in the art to more fully understand the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. The following is merely an illustrative description of the scope of the present invention, and those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present invention based on the disclosed content, which should also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] The present invention is further described below by way of specific examples. Unless otherwise specified, the various chemical reagents used in the examples of the present invention were obtained through conventional commercial channels.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0026] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to a size of 60 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0027] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was loaded into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 6% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 250 bar, the extraction temperature was 35° C., and the extraction time was 2.5 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0028] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 30°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.15 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, completing the membrane separation. Four products were obtained: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0029] d. The 50 nm cutoff liquid and the 5 nm permeate obtained in step c were mixed in a ratio of 2:1 to obtain the guarana composite extract.

[0030] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0031] Example 2

[0032] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0033] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 100 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0034] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was charged into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 8% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 300 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0035] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 35°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.25 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, at which point the membrane separation was complete, yielding four products: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0036] d. The 50 nm cutoff liquid and the 5 nm permeate obtained in step c were mixed in a ratio of 1:1 to obtain the guarana composite extract.

[0037] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0038] Example 3

[0039] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0040] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 80 mesh size to obtain guarana powder;

[0041] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was loaded into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 10% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 350 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0042] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 35°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.25 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, at which point the membrane separation was complete, yielding four products: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0043] d. The 50 nm cutoff liquid and the 5 nm permeate obtained in step c were mixed in a ratio of 1:2 to obtain the guarana composite extract.

[0044] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0045] Comparative Example 1

[0046] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0047] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 100 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0048] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was charged into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 8% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 300 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0049] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 35°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.25 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, at which point the membrane separation was complete, yielding four products: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0050] d. The 50 nm cutoff liquid and the 5 nm permeate obtained in step c were mixed in a ratio of 3:1 to obtain the guarana composite extract.

[0051] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0052] Comparative Example 2

[0053] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0054] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 100 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0055] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was charged into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 8% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 300 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0056] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 35°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.25 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, at which point the membrane separation was complete, yielding four products: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0057] d. The 50 nm cutoff solution and the 5 nm permeate obtained in step c were mixed in a ratio of 1:3 to obtain the guarana composite extract.

[0058] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0059] Comparative Example 3

[0060] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0061] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 100 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0062] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was charged into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 8% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 300 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0063] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 35°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.25 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, at which point the membrane separation was complete, yielding four products: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0064] d. The 100 nm intercepted liquid obtained in step c is the guarana composite extract.

[0065] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0066] Comparative Example 4

[0067] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0068] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 100 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0069] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was charged into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 8% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 300 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0070] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 35°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.25 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, at which point the membrane separation was complete, yielding four products: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0071] d. The 50 nm cutoff solution obtained in step c is the guarana composite extract.

[0072] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0073] Comparative Example 5

[0074] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0075] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 100 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0076] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was charged into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 8% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 300 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0077] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 35°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.25 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, at which point the membrane separation was complete, yielding four products: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0078] d. The 5 nm retentate obtained in step c is the guarana composite extract.

[0079] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0080] Comparative Example 6

[0081] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0082] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 100 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0083] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was charged into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 8% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 300 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0084] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 35°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.25 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, at which point the membrane separation was complete, yielding four products: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0085] d. The 5 nm permeate obtained in step c is the guarana composite extract.

[0086] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0087] Comparative Example 7

[0088] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0089] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 100 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0090] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was charged into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 8% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 300 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0091] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 35°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.25 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, at which point the membrane separation was complete, yielding four products: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0092] d. The 100 nm cutoff solution and the 5 nm permeate obtained in step c were mixed in a ratio of 2:1 to obtain the guarana composite extract.

[0093] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0094] Comparative Example 8

[0095] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0096] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 100 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0097] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was charged into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 8% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 300 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0098] c. Separate the guarana solution using a 100nm, 50nm, and 5nm ceramic membrane, respectively. Separation conditions: temperature 35°C, initial pressure in front of the instrument set to 0.25 MPa. Ethanol was continuously added during membrane separation until the permeate mass reached approximately 5% of the original solution mass, at which point the membrane separation was complete, yielding four products: a 100nm cutoff, a 50nm cutoff, a 5nm cutoff, and a 5nm permeate.

[0099] d. The 50 nm cutoff solution and the 5 nm cutoff solution obtained in step c were mixed in a ratio of 2:1 to obtain the guarana composite extract.

[0100] The guarana compound extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco cut tobacco in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana compound extract was 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco cut tobacco.

[0101] Comparative Example 9

[0102] A method for preparing a guarana compound extract comprises the following steps:

[0103] a. Grinding the guarana seeds that have been screened, removed of impurities, washed, dried, and shelled to 100 mesh to obtain guarana powder;

[0104] b. The guarana powder obtained in step a was charged into an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction. The entrainer was 8% aqueous ethanol, the extraction pressure was set to 300 bar, the extraction temperature was 45° C., and the extraction time was 2 h to obtain a guarana solution.

[0105] The guarana extract obtained in this example was added to the flue-cured tobacco shreds in the feeding process by spraying, and the amount of the guarana extract was 0.1% of the weight of the tobacco shreds.

[0106] Test Example 1

[0107] The cigarettes obtained in the above examples and comparative examples were subjected to sensory evaluation, and the results are shown in the table below. The evaluation was conducted on a scoring system ranging from 1 to 10 points, with blank cigarettes (i.e., without the addition of the guarana compound extract) as the benchmark. Scores of 1 to 5 indicate slight improvement, and 6 to 10 indicate significant improvement. Higher scores indicate better sensory experience.

[0108] The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0109] Table 1

[0110] Group aroma coordination Irritation Miscellaneous gases Momentum Aftertaste comprehensive Blank cigarette 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Example 1 6 7 7 6.5 6 6 38.5 Example 2 6.5 7.5 6 7 7 6 40 Example 3 7 7 8 6 6 7 41 Comparative Example 1 2 6 5 2 5 6 26 Comparative Example 2 5 3 6 2 4 5 25 Comparative Example 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Comparative Example 4 3 7 1 4 2 3 20 Comparative Example 5 4.5 3 5 3 2 2 19.5 Comparative Example 6 6 2 6 3 4.5 6 27.5 Comparative Example 7 5 2 3.5 3 3 3 19.5 Comparative Example 8 3 5 1 3 2 1 15 Comparative Example 9 5.5 2 4 2 2 3.5 19

[0111] The data in the table show that adding the guarana compound extract to the blank cigarettes significantly improved sensory evaluation. In particular, the cigarettes of Examples 1-3 showed: soft and mellow smoke, reduced irritation, and significantly improved strength and aftertaste, resulting in a significant improvement in overall smoking quality. Compared with the examples, Comparative Example 1 showed comparable improvements in smoke harmony and aftertaste, but significantly insufficient aroma and odor. Comparative Example 2 showed a significant reduction in irritation, but smoke harmony and odor reduction were inferior to the examples, resulting in lower sensory evaluations. Comparative Example 3, using a 100nm retentate, showed almost no improvement in any of the indices. Comparative Example 9, using a guarana solution, showed significantly lower sensory evaluations than the examples, demonstrating that specific ratios of guarana compound extracts have a greater effect on improving cigarette smoking quality. Based on the above data, it can be seen that the main components that improve the sensory quality of cigarettes are the 50nm retentate and the 5nm permeate. The 5nm retentate has some improvement, but the effect is not significant. Only by scientifically proportioning the 50nm retained liquid and the 5nm permeate to obtain the guarana compound extract can the goal of significantly improving the quality of cigarettes be achieved.

[0112] Test Example 2

[0113] The aroma and flavor of the examples were sensory evaluated, and the results are as follows. The rating scale uses a 10-point scale, with 0 indicating no aroma, 1-2 indicating weak aroma, 3-4 indicating slightly weak aroma, 5 indicating moderate aroma, 6-7 indicating slightly strong aroma, 8-9 indicating strong aroma, and 10 indicating intense aroma.

[0114] The results are shown in Table 2 below.

[0115] Table 2

[0116] From the data in the table, we can see that the guarana compound extract mainly provides cocoa aroma characteristics, and also has fruity, spicy, woody, burnt and sweet aromas.

[0117]

[0118] Basic flavor, with a more complex aroma.

[0119] Experimental Example 3

[0120] Detection test of active ingredients in guarana compound extract.

[0121] The contents of total sugar, total nitrogen, and total volatile components in the guarana composite extracts in the above examples and comparative examples were determined, wherein the total sugar was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid colorimetry, the total nitrogen was determined by high-temperature combustion-gas chromatography, and the total volatile components were determined by GC-MS gas chromatography.

[0122] The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0123] Table 3

[0124]

[0125]

[0126] The data showed that the total sugar content of the guarana composite extracts obtained in Examples 1-3 was 61.4-65 mg / g, the total nitrogen content was 3.33-4.1 mg / g, and the total volatile component content was 18.4-20.7 mg / g. The total sugar content of the guarana solution in Comparative Example 9 was 203.8 mg / g, the total nitrogen content was 17.2 mg / g, and the total volatile component content was 57 mg / g. Compared with Comparative Example 9, the total sugar, total nitrogen, and total volatile component contents of Examples 1-3 were all reduced due to the reduction of the content of high-molecular polysaccharides, starch, colloids, and other substances.

[0127] Test Example 4

[0128] Test on free radical scavenging rate of cigarettes containing guarana compound extract.

[0129] Free radicals contain an unpaired electron and are highly reactive. Excess free radicals generated in the body can cause oxidative damage to substances such as fats, proteins, and nucleic acids. The free radical scavenging rate refers to the effectiveness of removing free radicals from cigarette smoke. A higher free radical scavenging rate indicates a lower free radical content in the smoke, reflecting a reduction in harmful components in the smoke. The free radical scavenging rates of cigarettes were tested for Examples 1-3 and Comparative Example 9 using electron spin resonance spectroscopy as described in DB45 / T1494-2017. The results are shown in Table 4 below.

[0130] Table 4

[0131] Group Free radical scavenging rate (%) Blank cigarette / Example 1 29 Example 2 31 Example 3 33 Comparative Example 9 23

[0132] As can be seen from the data in the table, adding the guarana compound extract of the present invention to cigarettes can significantly improve the free radical scavenging rate.

[0133] In summary, adding the guarana compound extract of the present invention to cigarettes can significantly reduce smoke irritation and impurities, modify the strength and irritation of cigarettes, reduce the release of harmful components, make the smoke softer and warmer, and bring a richer taste level.

[0134] The invention of the present invention lies in the preparation method of the guarana compound extract and the application of the extract. As for the specific extraction conditions and addition amounts of the raw materials, as long as they are within the scope of the claims, the objectives of the present invention can be achieved. Due to space limitations, no further examples will be given. Improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention should be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a guarana compound extract, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: a. crushing the pre-treated guarana seeds to obtain guarana powder; b. The guarana powder obtained in step a is placed in an extraction kettle and subjected to supercritical CO extraction to obtain a guarana solution; c. Separating the guarana solution obtained in step b using a 100 nm ceramic membrane, a 50 nm ceramic membrane, and a 5 nm ceramic membrane in sequence to obtain four separated products: a 100 nm cutoff solution, a 50 nm cutoff solution, a 5 nm cutoff solution, and a 5 nm permeate; d. Mix the 50 nm cutoff liquid and the 5 nm permeate obtained in step c to obtain the guarana composite extract.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The supercritical CO2 extraction in step b can be replaced by ethanol immersion extraction or ultrasonic heating extraction.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that In step b, the extraction pressure is set to 250-350 bar, the extraction temperature is 35-45° C., the extraction time is 2-3 hours, and the entrainer is 5-10% aqueous ethanol.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein In step c, the conditions for the three-stage separation are: temperature 30-45°C, instrument initial membrane pressure 0.15-0.35 MPa; preferably: temperature 35°C, instrument initial membrane pressure set to 0.25 MPa; during membrane separation, ethanol is continuously added until the mass of the permeate reaches 4-6% of the mass of the original solution, at which time the membrane separation of this stage is completed.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that In step d, the volume ratio of the 50 nm cut-off liquid and the 5 nm permeate liquid is 1:(0.5-2).

6. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that In step d, the volume ratio of the 50nm intercepted liquid and the 5nm permeate is 1:(1-2), and the resulting compound is suitable for improving the strength, reducing smoke irritation, and enhancing the aroma level of the tobacco.

7. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that In step d, the volume ratio of the 50 nm interception liquid and the 5 nm permeate is (1-2):1, and the resulting compound is suitable for improving the inhalation smoothness and modifying the smoke.

8. A guarana compound extract, characterized in that The method is prepared by any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Use of the guarana compound extract prepared by the method according to claims 1-7 in cigarettes, characterized in that: The added amount of the guarana compound extract is 0.05% to 0.5% of the mass of the tobacco in the cigarette.

10. A cigarette, characterized in that: The cigarette tobacco contains the guarana extract according to claim 8.

Images