Mouthwash formulation with herbs, licorice and green tea
A bioactive mouthwash combining licorice and green tea extracts with compatible excipients in a sterile dosing unit addresses the drawbacks of conventional mouthwashes, offering effective antimicrobial protection and prolonged stability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025106978
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-15
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-30
AI Technical Summary
Conventional mouthwashes based on synthetic antiseptics like chlorhexidine or alcohol cause undesirable side effects, and herbal mouthwashes often suffer from extract ratio deficiencies and stability issues, limiting their therapeutic efficacy and shelf life.
A bioactive, alcohol-free mouthwash formulation combining licorice and green tea extracts with pharmaceutically compatible excipients, including preservatives and sweeteners, housed in a sterile dosing unit for precise dispensing, ensuring stability and effectiveness.
The formulation provides effective antimicrobial protection, reduces plaque, maintains gum health, and has a pleasant taste with a long shelf life, suitable for daily oral hygiene.
Abstract
Description
AREA OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to systems and pharmaceutical compositions for oral hygiene, in particular a novel plant-based mouthwash with extracts of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and green tea (Camellia sinensis). The invention provides a bioactive, alcohol-free, and biocompatible mouthwash that inhibits oral pathogens, reduces plaque formation, and promotes the health of teeth and gums. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Oral hygiene is an essential part of personal health care, and mouthwashes are frequently used to complement mechanical cleaning in order to prevent cavities, bad breath, and periodontal disease. Conventional mouthwashes are often based on synthetic antiseptics such as chlorhexidine or alcohol, which can cause undesirable side effects like tooth discoloration, burning, and taste disturbances. Increasing consumer demand for natural and non-toxic products has driven research into the development of herbal oral hygiene products.
[0003] Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and flavonoids, which are known for their strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. These compounds can protect oral tissues and inhibit caries-causing bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) also contains polyphenolic catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have antibacterial, caries-inhibiting, and plaque-reducing properties. However, conventional herbal mouthwashes often have deficiencies in extract ratios or stability, which limits their therapeutic efficacy and shelf life.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a standardized, stable and user-friendly mouthwash system that combines licorice and green tea extracts in a balanced composition with safe preservatives and sweeteners, providing effective antimicrobial protection and refreshing oral hygiene without the drawbacks of synthetic products. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to a herbal mouthwash containing a synergistic combination of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) extract and Camellia sinensis (green tea) extract. This combination includes pharmaceutically compatible excipients and results in a ready-to-use oral care formulation. The mouthwash acts as a biocompatible antimicrobial system, reducing the microbial load in the oral cavity, controlling plaque, and maintaining gum health through natural bioactive substances.
[0006] The device consists of an aqueous-alcoholic base in which concentrated licorice and green tea extracts are evenly distributed. The formulation also contains preservatives such as methylparaben to improve storage stability and sweeteners such as sucrose to enhance the taste. The system is housed in a sterile, sealed dosing unit with a metered cap for precise dispensing of the mouthwash. The composition is characterized by a broad antimicrobial spectrum of activity, a pleasant taste, and a long shelf life, making it suitable for daily oral hygiene in individuals at risk of tooth decay. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] The invention describes a device for producing a herbal mouthwash, designed as a complete oral hygiene system. The device comprises: a) a formulation chamber containing a homogeneous mixture of active plant components and excipients; b) a dispensing container made of food-grade polymer with an integrated dosing nozzle; and c) a dosing cap that allows for precise dosing of the mouthwash per application.
[0008] The active ingredients of the mouthwash system include Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) extract and Camellia sinensis (green tea) extract, each in a stabilized ethanolic or hydroalcoholic solution. Licorice extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties due to bioactive molecules such as glycyrrhizin and glabridin. Green tea extract provides catechins that inhibit bacterial adhesion and suppress the growth of oral pathogens.
[0009] The mouthwash base consists of purified water, stabilizers, and natural sweeteners. Methylparaben acts as a preservative, ensuring microbial stability during extended storage. Sucrose or xylitol can be added optionally to enhance the taste and increase consumer acceptance. Viscosity and consistency are regulated by non-toxic humectants or viscosity modifiers to ensure a pleasant mouthfeel.
[0010] The blend of licorice and green tea extracts is optimized for a synergistic antimicrobial effect while ensuring safety and sensory balance. The formulation has a pH suitable for the oral cavity (approximately pH 6.5–7.2). The device protects the formulation from contamination, oxidation, and evaporation, thus maintaining its efficacy throughout its shelf life.
[0011] During use, the user dispenses a pre-measured amount of mouthwash from the device, dilutes it with a little water if necessary, and rinses their mouth for 30-60 seconds. The herbal ingredients work synergistically to inhibit bacterial growth, reduce gum inflammation, and freshen breath without alcohol or synthetic antiseptics.
[0012] This mouthwash formulation device offers numerous advantages over conventional systems, including an all-natural composition, improved biocompatibility, non-irritating action, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. The system is suitable for both clinical and consumer use and can be mass-produced using standard liquid packaging techniques.
Claims
[1] Composition for the formulation of a herbal mouthwash, consisting of a liquid composition containing extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) and Camellia sinensis (green tea) dispersed in an aqueous-alcoholic base, providing antimicrobial and oral hygiene benefits. [2] Composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises preservatives, sweeteners and stabilizers selected from methylparaben, sucrose or xylitol to improve stability, taste and shelf life. [3] Composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is housed in a dispensing device comprising a sealed polymer container with a flow cap for metered dispensing of mouthwash. [4] Composition according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the combined extracts of licorice and green tea act synergistically to reduce plaque formation, inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the oral cavity and maintain gum health, thus providing a safe and alcohol-free alternative to synthetic mouthwash systems.