Oral formulation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an oral formulation, a method for making the oral formulation, and uses of the oral formulation, which contains caffeine, a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7, and taurine.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to oral formulations, methods for making oral formulations, and uses of said oral formulations. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to formulations and compositions intended for human use that are configured for pharmaceutical use and deliver substances such as flavorings and / or active ingredients during use.

[0003]

[0003] Pharmaceutical preparations that are easy to administer orally and can have a beneficial effect on specific mood states in humans or animals have become popular in recent years. For example, confectionery-type preparations (e.g., gummies or soft lozenges) containing vitamins or other mood-improving active ingredients provide a convenient and comfortable mode of administration for such active ingredients. Other convenient modes of administration are foods and beverages, such as energy drinks. Such preparations can contain active ingredients that are delivered to the user to elicit a biological response in the user that can improve the user's physical or mental function.

[0004] Beverages containing theanine and caffeine are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,780,086 and 6,268,009. More recently, European Patent No. 1819241 describes a beverage containing theanine and caffeine in a ratio of 5:1 to 1:1.5. Other beverages, such as chamomile tea and other herbal teas, are consumed by some users to aid sleep and relaxation.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an oral formulation adapted for oral use that can deliver an active ingredient to the consumer in a palatable and effective form, such as in the form of a liquid shot. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure generally provides formulations adapted for oral use, comprising a combination of active ingredients. The oral formulation may be in any form suitable for oral use, for example, in the form of a tablet or lozenge, a loose powder, or in liquid form (e.g., a drink such as a shot).

[0007] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and (iii) taurine.

[0008] According to other embodiments described herein, there is provided an oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine.

[0009] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of preparing an oral formulation, comprising: (a) combining active ingredients, the active ingredients including: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and (iii) taurine; (b) contacting the active ingredient with water; (c) mixing the active ingredient with water to prepare the oral formulation.

[0010] According to other embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of preparing an oral formulation, comprising: (a) combining active ingredients, the active ingredients including: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine; (b) contacting the active ingredient with water; (c) mixing the active ingredient with water to prepare the oral formulation.

[0011] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided use of a combination of active ingredients for increasing alertness and / or energy levels in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and (iii) taurine.

[0012] According to other embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of a combination of active ingredients for increasing alertness and / or energy levels in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine.

[0013] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided use of a combination of active ingredients for increasing mental and / or physical energy in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and (iii) taurine.

[0014] According to other embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of a combination of active ingredients for increasing mental and / or physical energy in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine.

[0015] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a use of a combination of active ingredients for enhancing cognitive function in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) ginseng.

[0016] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) ginseng; and (iii) taurine.

[0017] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an oral formulation in liquid form comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and (iii) ginseng.

[0018] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an oral formulation in liquid form comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) ginseng.

[0019] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination of active ingredients including: (i) caffeine; (ii) at least one B vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) taurine; and (iv) vitamin C.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, each of the oral formulations of the above embodiments may be provided in the form of a liquid dosage form, such as a shot (ie, a liquid having a volume of up to about 100 mL).

[0021] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a use of a combination of active ingredients for enhancing cognitive function in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine.

[0022] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a use of a combination of active ingredients for enhancing cognitive function in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) taurine; and (iii) ginseng.

[0023] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description. The present invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-described embodiments, as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements described in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are explicitly combined in the description of a particular embodiment herein. The present disclosure is intended to be read as a whole such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be considered as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] For ease of reference, these and further aspects of the present invention are discussed herein under appropriate section headings, however, the teachings under each section are not necessarily limited to each particular section.

[0025] Having thus described aspects of the present disclosure in general terms above, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and which are illustrative only and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure.

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a graph showing the results of a study of cognitive accuracy (RVIP) following administration of the oral formulation of Example 3 compared to placebo. [Figure 2] 1 is a graph showing the results of mental arithmetic (series subtraction by 3) following administration of the oral formulation of Example 3 compared to placebo. [Figure 3] 1 is a graph showing alertness measured using a VAS after administration of the oral formulation of Example 3 compared to placebo. [Figure 4]1 is a graph showing physical energy measured using a VAS after administration of the oral formulation of Example 3 compared to placebo. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing test results of mental fatigue measured using POMS, comparing placebo with Example 3. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph showing cognitive accuracy (RVIP) test results comparing placebo and 5-Hour Energy with Example 3. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing the results of mental arithmetic (series subtraction of 3 steps) following administration of the oral formulation of Example 3 compared to placebo and 5-Hour Energy. [Figure 8] 1 is a graph showing alertness measured using a VAS after administration of the oral formulation of Example 3 compared to placebo and 5-Hour Energy. [Figure 9] 1 is a graph showing physical energy measured using a VAS after administration of the oral formulation of Example 3 compared to placebo and 5-Hour Energy. [Figure 10] 1 is a graph showing the change over time (after taking the oral formulation) in cognitive accuracy as measured using RVIP for the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo. An asterisk (*) indicates a significant change compared to placebo. [Figure 11] 1 is a graph showing the change over time in memory recall measured using NWM after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo (p=0.026). [Figure 12] 1 is a graph showing mental arithmetic performance measured using serial subtraction in 3 steps (COMPASS) after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo (p<0.001). [Figure 13] 1 is a graph showing cognitive accuracy measured using RVIP after taking the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo (p<0.001). [Figure 14] 1 is a graph showing mental processing measured using RVIP after taking the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo (p=0.037). [Figure 15]1 is a graph showing mental arithmetic performance measured using serial subtraction in 7 steps (COMPASS) after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo (p<0.001). [Figure 16] 11A-15B are graphs showing global cognitive function (z-scores) (p<0.001) based on the measurements in FIGS. 11-15 after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo. The z-score is a standardized score that indicates how many standard deviations an individual value is from the mean, allowing for comparison of scores across different tests. First, z-scores were calculated based on the unadjusted raw data for each test. Next, the individual z-scores were combined (e.g., RVIP, consecutive subtractions of 3 increments, and consecutive subtractions of 7 increments). Finally, scores at each time point were calculated and corrected by subtracting the baseline value. [Figure 17] 1 is a graph showing the change over time in mental arithmetic performance measured using 3-step serial subtraction (COMPASS) after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo. An asterisk (*) indicates a significant change compared to placebo. [Figure 18] 1 is a graph showing the change over time in mental arithmetic performance measured using 7-step serial subtraction (COMPASS) after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo. An asterisk (*) indicates a significant change compared to placebo. [Figure 19] 1 is a graph showing subjective alertness measured using a VAS after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo (p<0.001). [Figure 20] 1 is a graph showing subjective physical energy measured using a VAS after taking the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo (p=0.001). [Figure 21] 1 is a graph showing subjective fatigue reduction measured using a VAS after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo (p<0.001). [Figure 22] 1 is a graph showing subjective irritation measured using a VAS after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo (p<0.001). [Figure 23]1 is a graph showing subjective decreased energy (p=0.043) measured using a VAS after taking the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo. [Figure 24] 1 is a graph showing the change over time in subjective alertness measured using a VAS after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo. An asterisk (*) indicates a significant change compared to placebo. [Figure 25] 1 is a graph showing the change over time in subjective physical energy measured using a VAS after ingestion of the oral formulation of Example 7 compared to placebo. An asterisk (*) indicates a significant change compared to placebo. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular configurations, method steps, and materials disclosed herein, as the configurations, method steps, and materials may vary slightly. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the invention will be limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0029] As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to "% by weight" or "dry weight basis" refer to weight based on dry ingredients (i.e., all ingredients excluding water). References to "wet weight" refer to the weight of the formulation or composition including water. Unless otherwise specified, references to "% by weight" (or "wt %") of a formulation or composition reflect the total wet weight (i.e., including water) of the formulation or composition.

[0030] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "about" modifying the amount of an ingredient in an oral formulation or used in a method of the present invention refers to variations in numerical value that may occur due, for example, to typical measuring procedures and liquid handling procedures used to prepare the actual concentrate or use the solution, inadvertent errors in these procedures, differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to prepare the oral formulation or practice the method, etc. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a formulation or composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether modified by the term "about," the claims include equivalents of the amounts.

[0031] Oral formulation As described herein, there is provided an oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and (iii) taurine.

[0032] Also provided is an oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients as described herein, the combination comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine.

[0033] Oral formulations are designed for oral use, and thus for insertion into the user's mouth (i.e., oral cavity). As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "oral" in relation to a formulation refers to a formulation that is suitable for ingestion or retention anywhere in the user's oral cavity in normal use. For example, the formulation may be in the form of a liquid (i.e., in the form of a drink) that can be orally ingested by the user, or the formulation may be retained in the oral cavity.

[0034] The ranges provided herein provide preferred amounts of each component. Each of these ranges can be used alone or in combination with one or more other component ranges to provide preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] Active ingredient combination The formulations disclosed herein comprise an active ingredient.

[0036] As used herein, an active substance may be a bioactive substance, which is a substance intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, nutritional active substances, nootropic substances, and psychoactive substances. The active substance may be naturally derived or synthetically obtained.

[0037] The active ingredient combination includes suitable active ingredients that elicit a biological response in humans or animals. As used herein, an active ingredient may be a bioactive agent, which is a substance intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the combination of active ingredients includes at least (i) caffeine, (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12, and (iii) taurine.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, the combination of active ingredients includes at least (i) caffeine, (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7, and (iii) taurine.

[0040] Each active ingredient may be present in an amount suitable to elicit the desired biological response in human animals. The inventors have discovered that certain combinations of active ingredients contained in oral formulations result in rapid onset of mental and / or physical energy. The combinations of active ingredients have been found to, among other things, enhance the user's mental and / or physical energy in the short, medium, or long term. In particular, certain combinations of active ingredients in oral formulations have been found to increase mental energy (i.e., improved cognitive function and increased energy (attention, alertness), or reduced mental fatigue and increased motivation for intellectual tasks in the user) and physical energy (i.e., improved endurance performance and threshold performance). The inventors have discovered that certain combinations of active ingredients of the present invention can improve energy levels over short or long periods of time. Increased energy levels can also enhance the user's overall feelings of enjoyment and enthusiasm, as well as feelings of confidence, motivation, pleasure, and excitement. The inventors have also found that cognitive function improves for at least 90 minutes after ingestion.

[0041] It has also been found that the combination of active ingredients described herein can provide a safe formulation with desirable pharmacokinetics (Tmax, Cmax, half-life), bioavailability, and metabolism.

[0042] Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) exists as a bitter alkaloid and is found naturally in various plant species, including tea leaves, cola nuts, cocoa, guarana, and coffee beans. After ingestion, caffeine is metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome p450 enzyme system, allowing it to reach tissues throughout the body and cross the blood-brain barrier. Caffeine can be used to improve alertness, attention, cognitive function, and physical performance.

[0043] Caffeine may be included as a natural stimulant, meaning that it is naturally derived. "Naturally derived" means that the caffeine is in a purified form and is outside of its natural (e.g., plant) matrix. For example, caffeine can be obtained by extraction and purification of a plant source (e.g., tea). Alternatively, or in addition, caffeine may be provided in a synthetic form, i.e., obtained by chemical synthesis. Caffeine may be provided in the form of an extract or powder (e.g., a powdered extract). For example, caffeine may be included in the form of green tea extract powder or black tea extract powder. Caffeine may also be provided in the form of guarana seed extract powder. In some embodiments, caffeine is present in an encapsulated form. An example of encapsulated caffeine is Vitashure®, available from Balchem ​​Corp., 52 Sunrise Park Road, New Hampton, NY 10958.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will understand that if the caffeine is naturally derived, for example, by extraction and purification from a plant source, and such naturally derived caffeine contains one or more B vitamins, then said B vitamins are in addition to the B vitamins explicitly listed in the oral formulations of the present invention.

[0045] Caffeine can be present in any suitable amount, such as at least about 0.001%, at least about 0.01%, or at least about 0.1% by weight of the oral formulation, hi some embodiments, caffeine can be present in an amount of no more than about 20%, no more than about 10%, no more than about 5%, or no more than about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0046] Caffeine may be present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, caffeine is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation. Preferably, caffeine is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0047] In some embodiments, caffeine is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 4% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 0.05% to about 3% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 0.15% to about 2% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 0.2% to about 1.5% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 0.25% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation. In some preferred embodiments, caffeine may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0048] The combination of active ingredients further comprises a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12, or the combination of active ingredients further comprises a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7.

[0049] The term "B vitamins" includes eight water-soluble vitamins that have effects on cellular functions, such as cellular metabolism and red blood cell synthesis. B vitamins act as coenzymes in a significant proportion of enzymatic processes in cellular physiology. B vitamins can generally be divided into two categories: those that act as coenzymes in catabolic enzyme reactions (resulting in the production of energy) and those that act as coenzymes in anabolic enzyme reactions (resulting in improved brain function).

[0050] B vitamins are thought to be involved in various aspects of brain function and energy production. The eight water-soluble B vitamins are vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid or its salts, e.g., calcium pantothenate), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (natural or synthetic folate), and vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). Vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12 have been shown to aid in anabolic metabolism and enhance brain function. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B7 have been shown to aid in catabolic metabolism and enhance energy levels.

[0051] In one preferred embodiment, the oral preparation comprises all five B vitamins that help anabolic metabolism.In other words, according to the first aspect, the combination of active ingredients comprises a combination of vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9 and B12.It has been found that the inclusion of at least these B vitamins can reduce subjective physical fatigue and subjective mental fatigue, and improve psychological and cognitive functions.Each of these B vitamins can contribute to reducing fatigue and tiredness, and in this regard, the inclusion of all five B vitamins can produce a synergistic effect.

[0052] In some embodiments, the B vitamin combination consists essentially of a combination of all anabolic vitamins, i.e., vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12. In some embodiments, the B vitamin combination consists essentially of a combination of all anabolic vitamins, i.e., vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12. The term "anabolic B vitamins" refers to B vitamins that affect anabolic pathways, and the term "catabolic B vitamins" refers to B vitamins that affect catabolic pathways.

[0053] In some embodiments, the combination of B vitamins further comprises at least one catabolic B vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamin B1, vitamin B5, vitamin B7, and combinations thereof.

[0054] In any such embodiment, the ratio of the total amount of B vitamins involved in assimilation (i.e., vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12) to the total amount of B vitamins involved in catabolism (i.e., vitamins B1, B5, and B7) can be from about 5:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 2:1 to about 1:2, and more preferably from about 2:1 to about 1:1.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment, the oral formulation includes a mixture of B vitamins to aid in anabolic and catabolic metabolism. This mixture may be advantageous from a stability standpoint, e.g., providing the oral formulation with a longer shelf life compared to products containing all eight B vitamins. In such an embodiment, the oral formulation includes at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7.

[0056] In some embodiments, the B vitamin combination further comprises one or more of vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B9, or vitamin B12.

[0057] In some embodiments, the B vitamin combination consists essentially of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7. Preferably, the B vitamin combination consists of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7. As noted above, one of skill in the art will understand that if caffeine is naturally derived, e.g., by extraction and purification from a plant source, and such naturally derived caffeine contains one or more B vitamins, then such B vitamins are in addition to the B vitamins explicitly listed in the oral formulations of the present invention.

[0058] In any such embodiment, the ratio of the total amount of B vitamins involved in assimilation (i.e., vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12) to the total amount of B vitamins involved in catabolism (i.e., vitamins B1, B5, and B7) can be from about 10:1 to about 1:10, preferably from about 5:1 to about 1:5, and more preferably from about 5:1 to about 1:1.

[0059] In any such embodiment, the ratio of the total amount of B vitamins involved in assimilation (i.e., vitamins B2 and B6) to the total amount of B vitamins involved in catabolism (i.e., vitamins B1 and B7) can be from about 10:1 to about 1:10, preferably from about 5:1 to about 1:5, and more preferably from about 5:1 to about 1:1.

[0060] The amount of B vitamins contained in the composition may be any amount suitable for achieving the desired effect, while providing a formulation that is safe to ingest and has reduced side effects.

[0061] The total amount of B vitamins included in the combination can be any suitable amount that provides the desired brain function-enhancing effect. In some embodiments, the total amount of anabolic B vitamins (i.e., the total amount of the combination of vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9, and / or B12) can be at least about 0.0001% by weight, preferably at least about 0.001% by weight, and more preferably at least about 0.01% by weight of the oral formulation. For example, the total amount of anabolic B vitamins can be about 0.0001% to about 5% by weight, preferably about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation. For example, this amount can be about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of the oral formulation, or about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0062] When present, the total amount of catabolic B vitamins (i.e., the total amount of the combination of vitamins B1, B5, and / or B7) can be at least about 0.0001% by weight, preferably at least about 0.001% by weight, and more preferably at least about 0.01% by weight of the oral formulation. For example, the total amount of catabolic B vitamins (e.g., when the catabolic B vitamins are vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and / or vitamin B7) can be about 0.0001% to about 5% by weight, preferably about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation. For example, this amount can be about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0063] The total amount of B vitamins contained in the combination can be any suitable amount that provides the desired brain function-enhancing effect. In some embodiments, the total amount of B vitamins is about 0.001% to about 5% by weight, preferably about 0.001% to about 1% by weight, of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the total amount of B vitamins can be about 0.01% to about 4% by weight, e.g., about 0.025% to about 3% by weight, e.g., about 0.05% to about 2% by weight, preferably about 0.05% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0064] In some embodiments, vitamin B2 may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. For example, vitamin B2 may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 15% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation.

[0065] In oral formulations containing at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7, vitamin B2 may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 50% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. In a preferred embodiment, vitamin B2 may be present in an amount of about 15% to about 35% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation.

[0066] In some embodiments, vitamin B3 may be present in an amount of about 20% to about 80% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. For example, vitamin B3 may be present in an amount of about 40% to about 70% by weight, preferably about 45% to about 60% by weight, of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation.

[0067] In oral formulations containing at least vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B7, the oral formulation may be substantially free of vitamin B3 (i.e., contain 0.0001% by weight or less), or may contain no vitamin B3 (i.e., contain 0%).

[0068] In some embodiments, vitamin B6 may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 15% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. For example, vitamin B6 may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 10% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation.

[0069] In oral formulations containing at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7, vitamin B6 may be present in an amount of about 10% to about 75% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. In a preferred embodiment, vitamin B6 may be present in an amount of about 15% to about 65% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation.

[0070] In some embodiments, vitamin B9 may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. For example, vitamin B9 may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation.

[0071] In oral formulations containing at least vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B7, the oral formulation may be substantially free of vitamin B9 (i.e., contain 0.0001% or less by weight), or may contain no vitamin B9 (i.e., contain 0%).

[0072] In some embodiments, vitamin B12 may be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 30% by weight, e.g., about 0.1% to about 25% by weight, e.g., about 1% to about 20% by weight, of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. For example, vitamin B12 may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 15% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation.

[0073] In oral formulations containing at least vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B7, the oral formulation may be substantially free of vitamin B12 (i.e., contain 0.0001% by weight or less), or may contain no vitamin B12 (i.e., contain 0%).

[0074] When present, vitamin B1 may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. For example, when present, vitamin B1 may be present in an amount of about 2.5% to about 7.5% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the oral formulation may be substantially free of vitamin B1 (i.e., contain 0.0001% or less by weight), or may contain no vitamin B1 (i.e., contain 0%).

[0075] In oral formulations containing at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7, vitamin B1 may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 45% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. In a preferred embodiment, vitamin B1 may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 40% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation.

[0076] When present, vitamin B5 may be present in an amount of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. For example, when present, vitamin B5 may be present in an amount of about 5% to about 15% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the oral formulation may be substantially free of vitamin B5 or may be free of vitamin B5.

[0077] In oral formulations containing at least vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B7, the oral formulation may be substantially free of vitamin B5 (i.e., contain 0.0001% or less by weight), or may contain no vitamin B5 (i.e., contain 0%).

[0078] When present, vitamin B7 may be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. For example, when present, vitamin B7 may be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the oral formulation may be substantially free of vitamin B7 or may be free of vitamin B7.

[0079] In oral formulations containing at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7, vitamin B7 may be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation. In a preferred embodiment, vitamin B7 may be present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of the total amount of B vitamins in the oral formulation.

[0080] Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is an organic compound widely distributed in animal tissues. Taurine is known to be involved in energy metabolism. By combining taurine with caffeine, taurine can suppress some of the undesirable side effects that excess caffeine can cause (e.g., nervousness or increased heart rate). The inclusion of taurine can improve muscle strength, endurance, and performance during physical activity. Additionally, the addition of taurine can promote energy metabolism.

[0081] Taurine can be present in any suitable amount, such as at least about 0.001%, at least about 0.01%, or at least about 0.1% by weight of the oral formulation, hi some embodiments, taurine can be present in an amount of no more than about 20%, no more than about 10%, or no more than about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0082] Taurine may be present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 20% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, taurine is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation. Taurine may preferably be present in an amount of about 0.05% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, or about 0.05% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0083] In some preferred embodiments, taurine is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight of the oral formulation. In other preferred embodiments, taurine is present in an amount of about 0.05% to about 3% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 0.2% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 0.3% to about 0.5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0084] In some embodiments, taurine is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0085] In addition to caffeine, a B vitamin combination, and taurine, the active ingredient combination may include one or more additional active ingredients. The additional active ingredient may be any suitable active ingredient that provides increased physical and / or mental energy levels and / or increased alertness, and may be selected from, for example, nutritional active ingredients, nootropic ingredients, and psychoactive ingredients. The additional active ingredient may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.

[0086] Non-limiting examples of additional active ingredients include those in the categories of botanical ingredients (e.g., ginseng, Bacopa Monieri, Rhodiola rosea, etc.), stimulants, amino acids or analogs (e.g., L-tyrosine, L-theanine), and / or nutritional active ingredients and / or pharmaceutical ingredients (e.g., other vitamins such as vitamins A, C, D, E, or K and / or cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)).

[0087] Additional active ingredients may include, for example, L-tyrosine, L-theanine, theine, vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, ginseng, Echinacea, cannabinoids, choline, alpha GPC, theobromine, Guyasa, maca, matcha, methylliberin, nitrates or beetroot juice, yerba mate, glucose, theacrine, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof.

[0088] In some embodiments, the one or more additional active ingredients are selected from botanicals (e.g., echinacea, ginseng, peppermint, basil, rosemary, ginger, maca, or herbal tea ingredients), stimulants (e.g., guarana), amino acids (e.g., L-theanine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, or tryptophan), cannabinoids, and / or nutritional or pharmaceutical active ingredients (e.g., vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin C, and / or vitamin A).

[0089] In some preferred embodiments, the combination of active ingredients further includes vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. The body also utilizes vitamin C for the production of collagen, a protein that can aid in wound healing. Additionally, vitamin C promotes iron absorption from plant-based foods and helps the immune system function properly, protecting the body from disease.

[0090] The inclusion of vitamin C can reduce tiredness and fatigue and promote energy metabolism.

[0091] When present, vitamin C can be present in any suitable amount, such as at least about 0.001%, at least about 0.01%, or at least about 0.1% by weight of the oral formulation, hi some embodiments, vitamin C can be present in an amount of no more than about 20%, no more than about 10%, or no more than about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0092] When present, vitamin C may be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight, or about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation. Preferably, vitamin C may be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0093] In some embodiments, the combination of active ingredients further includes ginseng. Ginseng is the root of the Panax genus, characterized by the presence of unique steroidal saponin phytochemicals (ginsenosides) and gintonin. The presumed major active ingredients of ginseng include over 100 specific triterpene saponins, or "ginsenosides." Ginseng and ginseng extracts also contain a variety of other potentially bioactive components, including alkaloids, phytosterols, sesquiterpenes, and polyphenols. Ginseng is used as a nutritional supplement in energy drinks or herbal teas and in traditional medicine.

[0094] Ginseng may include any suitable form of ginseng, such as Panax ginseng (Korean ginseng), Panax notoginseng (Tianqi ginseng), and Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng). Ginseng may also include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), commonly known as Indian ginseng. Ginseng may be present in the form of ginseng extract, shredded ginseng, shredded ginseng, or powdered ginseng. Preferably, ginseng is included in the form of ginseng extract or powdered ginseng extract. Ginseng may be white ginseng, raw ginseng, or red ginseng. In some embodiments, the ginseng is red ginseng, such as red ginseng extract or powdered red ginseng extract. It has been discovered that the addition of ginseng can result in improved brain function and / or increased cognitive benefits. It has been discovered that the inclusion of ginseng in the composition is beneficial in enhancing cognitive benefits and reducing mental and physical fatigue in users.

[0095] When present, ginseng can be included in any suitable amount, such as at least about 0.0001% by weight, at least about 0.001% by weight, or at least about 0.01% by weight of the oral formulation. Ginseng can be present in an amount of about 10% by weight or less, e.g., about 5% by weight or less, of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, ginseng is present in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, ginseng is present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, ginseng is present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 3% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, ginseng is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 2% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0096] In some preferred embodiments, the active ingredient combination further comprises ginseng in an amount of about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, preferably about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0097] When present, ginseng may be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1.5% by weight of the oral formulation in some embodiments (e.g., when the oral formulation is a liquid oral dosage form). In some embodiments (e.g., when the oral formulation is a liquid oral dosage form), ginseng is present in an amount of about 0.02% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, such as about 0.05% to about 0.75% by weight, and preferably about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight.

[0098] In some preferred embodiments, the combination of active ingredients includes caffeine, a B vitamin combination, taurine, and ginseng.

[0099] In some preferred embodiments, the combination of active ingredients includes caffeine, a B vitamin combination, taurine, and vitamin C.

[0100] In some preferred embodiments, the combination of active ingredients includes caffeine, a B vitamin combination, taurine, vitamin C, and ginseng.

[0101] In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes (i) caffeine in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination in which the total amount of B vitamins is about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, and (iii) taurine in an amount of about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes (i) caffeine in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination in which the total amount of B vitamins is about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, and (iii) taurine in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes (i) caffeine in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination, wherein the total amount of B vitamins is about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, and (iii) taurine in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation. In each of these embodiments, the B vitamins are as defined hereinabove.

[0102] In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination comprises (i) caffeine in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination, the total amount of B vitamins being about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, and (iii) taurine in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of the oral formulation, where B vitamins are defined hereinabove.

[0103] In any of these embodiments, the active ingredient combination may further include vitamin C in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. In any of these embodiments, the active ingredient combination may further include ginseng in an amount of about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, or about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation. In any of these embodiments, the active ingredient combination may further include vitamin C in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation and ginseng in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0104] In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes (i) caffeine in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination where the total amount of B vitamins is about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, (iii) taurine in an amount of about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, and (iv) vitamin C in an amount of about 0.05% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes (i) caffeine in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination where the total amount of B vitamins is about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, (iii) taurine in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, and (iv) vitamin C in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes (i) caffeine in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination, wherein the total amount of B vitamins is from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, (iii) taurine in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, and (iv) vitamin C in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation. In each of these embodiments, the B vitamins are as defined hereinabove.

[0105] In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes (i) caffeine in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination, wherein the total amount of B vitamins is from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, (iii) taurine in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, and (iv) vitamin C in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. In each of these embodiments, the B vitamins are as defined hereinabove.

[0106] In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes (i) caffeine in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination where the total amount of B vitamins is about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, (iii) taurine in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, and (v) ginseng in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes (i) caffeine in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination where the total amount of B vitamins is about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, (iii) taurine in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, and (v) ginseng in an amount of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation. In each of these embodiments, the B vitamins are as defined hereinabove.

[0107] In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes (i) caffeine in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, (ii) a B vitamin combination, wherein the total amount of B vitamins is about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, (iii) taurine in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, (iv) vitamin C in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, and (v) ginseng in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation. In each of these embodiments, the B vitamins are as defined hereinabove.

[0108] The inventors have found that the above amounts of active ingredients provide beneficial effects of increasing energy levels and improving brain function while providing a safe formulation with reduced side effects. The amounts of active ingredients can be adjusted so that the formulation is highly effective while ensuring safety for the user and avoiding overdosing on the active ingredients.

[0109] Other suitable additional active ingredients are described below.

[0110] L-theanine is a compound of L-γ-glutamylethylamide and N 5L-theanine is an amino acid analog also known as -ethyl-L-glutamine. When present, L-theanine may be included in an amount of about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation. Preferably, L-theanine is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0111] In some embodiments, the combination of active ingredients further comprises a botanical active ingredient. As used herein, the terms "botanical ingredient" or "botanical material" refer to any plant or fungal-derived material, including plant material in its natural form and plant material derived from natural plant material, such as extracts or isolates of plant material, or processed plant material (e.g., plant material that has been subjected to heat treatment, fermentation, bleaching, or other treatment processes that can alter the physical and / or chemical properties of the material). For purposes of this disclosure, "botanical material" includes, but is not limited to, "herbal material," which refers to seed-producing plants that do not develop permanent woody tissue and are typically valued for their pharmacological or organoleptic properties (e.g., tea or herbal tea). Botanical materials useful in this disclosure may include, but are not limited to, any of the compounds and materials (including mixtures thereof) described herein. Certain botanical materials of this type may be referred to as supplements, dietary supplements, "phytochemicals," or "functional foods." Certain botanical materials, either as plant materials or extracts thereof, are used in traditional herbal medicine and are further described herein.Non-limiting examples of botanical or plant-derived materials include ashwagandha, Bacopa monniera, baobab, basil, Centella asiatica, Bupleurum Root, chamomile, cherry blossom, chlorophyll, cinnamon, citrus fruits, clove, cocoa, cordyceps, curcumin, damiana, Dorstenia arifolia, Dorstenia odorata, essential oils, eucalyptus, fennel, Galphimia glauca, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng (e.g., ginseng), Grifonia simplicifolia, guarana, cannabis, hemp, hops, jasmine, Kaempferia parviflora, black ginger), kava, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, licorice, lutein, maca, matcha green tea powder, pepper (Nardostachys chinensis), oily extract of sweet violet (Viola odorata), peppermint, quercetin, resveratrol, tenma (Rhizoma gastrodiae), passion flower, guaiasa, maca, matcha green tea, beetroot juice, rhodiola, rooibos, rose essential oil, rosemary, kana (Sceletium tortuosum), schisandra, skullcap, spearmint extract, spikenard, terpenes, herbal tea ingredients, turmeric, damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca), valerian, white mulberry, echinacea, and yerba mate.

[0112] In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination further comprises Echinacea, a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, commonly called coneflower. When present, Echinacea may be present in an amount of from about 0.001% to about 3% by weight of the oral formulation, preferably from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0113] The active ingredient combination may further comprise a vitamin selected from vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, or a mixture thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the active ingredient combination optionally further comprises vitamin D in an amount of about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0114] The active ingredient combination may further include an amino acid, such as an amino acid selected from the group consisting of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), L-theanine, hydroxyproline, and beta-alanine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes L-tyrosine.

[0115] In some embodiments, the combination of active ingredients includes one or more of choline, alpha GPC, theobromine, guaiasa, maca, matcha, methylliberin, nitrates or beetroot juice, yerba mate, glucose, or theacrine.

[0116] In some embodiments, the combination of active ingredients includes a cannabinoid. The cannabinoid may be a derivative or extract of cannabis. Cannabinoids are a group of natural or synthetic chemical compounds that act on intracellular cannabinoid receptors (i.e., CB1 and CB2) to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules that exhibit certain properties, such as the ability to easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring in plants such as cannabis (phytocannabinoids), present in animals (endocannabinoids), or artificially produced (synthetic cannabinoids). Cannabis species exhibit at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, which can be subdivided into cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol, and cannabinodiol, as well as other cannabinoids.In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is selected from the group consisting of cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variants (Cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabimolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A), and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or comprises at least tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD) or comprises at least cannabidiol (CBD).

[0117] In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination comprises a cannabinoid (such as cannabidiol) in an amount ranging from at least about 0.001% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, e.g., from about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight, e.g., from 0.5% to about 1% by weight.

[0118] In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes magnesium glycinate, which, when present, may be included in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, such as about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 1% by weight.

[0119] For the avoidance of doubt, combinations of the above final formulation amounts are expressly contemplated by this disclosure, as are any of the ranges disclosed herein.

[0120] Active ingredient ratio The ratio of active ingredients in an oral formulation may be selected to enhance the cognitive effect of the oral formulation on the recipient.

[0121] In some embodiments, caffeine and taurine are present in a weight ratio of about 15:1 to about 1:15, e.g., about 10:1 to about 1:10, preferably about 5:1 to about 1:5, and more preferably about 5:1 to about 1:1. In preferred embodiments, caffeine and taurine can be present in a weight ratio of about 1:1. Alternatively, caffeine and taurine can be present in a weight ratio of about 4:1.

[0122] In some embodiments, the total amount of caffeine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 15:1, such as about 1:1 to about 10:1. In preferred embodiments, the total amount of caffeine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 2:1 to about 10:1, or about 3:1 to about 5:1.

[0123] In other embodiments, the total amount of caffeine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 30:1, preferably about 10:1 to about 30:1. In a preferred embodiment, the total amount of caffeine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 15:1 to about 30:1.

[0124] In some embodiments, the total amount of taurine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 10:1 to about 1:2, e.g., about 7.5:1 to about 1:2. In some preferred embodiments, the total amount of taurine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 7.5:1 to about 2:1. In other preferred embodiments, the total amount of taurine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:2.

[0125] When present, the ratio of ginseng in the formulation may also provide benefits in improving cognitive function and mental focus. When present, ginseng may be present in an amount such that the weight ratio of caffeine to ginseng is about 5:1 to about 1:5, for example, about 2:1 to about 1:2. Preferably, ginseng may be present in an amount such that the weight ratio of caffeine to ginseng is about 2:1 to about 1:1.

[0126] When present, ginseng may be present in an amount such that the weight ratio of taurine to ginseng is about 5:1 to about 1:5. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of taurine to ginseng is about 5:1 to about 1:1, e.g., about 2:1 to about 1:1. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of taurine to ginseng is about 1:1 to about 1:4.

[0127] When present, vitamin C may be included such that the weight ratio of vitamin C to caffeine is about 5:1 to about 1:5. In some preferred embodiments, the weight ratio of vitamin C to caffeine is about 3:1 to about 1:3, more preferably about 2:1 to about 1:1. When present, vitamin C may be included such that the weight ratio of vitamin C to taurine is about 15:1 to about 1:5. In some preferred embodiments, the weight ratio of vitamin C to taurine is about 10:1 to about 1:1, more preferably about 10:1 to about 2:1.

[0128] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises: A combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins; and (iii) taurine, The weight ratio of caffeine to taurine is about 5:1 to about 1:1, The weight ratio of caffeine to the total amount of B vitamins is about 1:1 to about 10:1, It contains a combination of active ingredients in which the weight ratio of taurine to the total amount of B vitamins is about 10:1 to about 1:2.

[0129] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises: A combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins; and (iii) taurine, It comprises a combination of active ingredients, wherein the weight ratio of caffeine to taurine is about 1:1, and the combination of B vitamins is as described in any of the embodiments hereinabove.

[0130] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises: 1. A liquid oral dosage form comprising a combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins; and (iii) taurine, A liquid oral dosage form having a weight ratio of caffeine to taurine of about 1:1, and a combination of B vitamins as described in any of the embodiments hereinabove.

[0131] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises: A combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins; (iii) taurine; and (iv) ginseng, It comprises a combination of active ingredients, wherein the weight ratio of caffeine to ginseng is from about 2:1 to about 1:1, and optionally the weight ratio of caffeine to taurine is from about 4:1 to about 1:1.

[0132] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises: A combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins; (iii) taurine; and (iv) ginseng, The weight ratio of caffeine to taurine is about 4:1 to about 1:1, The weight ratio of caffeine to the total amount of B vitamins is about 1:1 to about 10:1, It contains a combination of active ingredients, with a weight ratio of caffeine to ginseng of about 2:1 to about 1:1.

[0133] additives Depending on the type of oral formulation being processed, the formulation may contain one or more additional ingredients in addition to the combination of active ingredients. For example, the oral formulation may further contain an additive selected from the group consisting of flavorings, sweeteners, buffering agents, acidifying agents, thickeners, fillers, binders, humectants, preservatives, salts, coloring agents, oral care additives, disintegration aids, antioxidants, water, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the oral formulation further contains one or more additives selected from the group consisting of flavorings, sweeteners, acidifying agents, thickeners, fillers, binders, humectants, preservatives, and mixtures thereof.

[0134] In some embodiments, the oral formulation is preservative-free, ie, there are no preservatives present in the oral formulation.

[0135] Filler Depending on the formulation, oral formulations may contain fillers, which can serve multiple functions, for example, improving certain sensory properties such as texture and mouthfeel, or improving the cohesiveness or compressibility of the formulation.

[0136] In some embodiments, the filler is a porous granular material and is cellulosic. For example, the filler or excipient may be a non-tobacco plant material or a derivative thereof, including a cellulosic material derived from the materials described below. Examples of cellulosic non-tobacco plant materials include grains (e.g., corn, oats, barley, rye, buckwheat, etc.), sugar beet (e.g., FIBREX® brand filler available from International Fiber Corporation), bran fiber, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the filler is a cellulosic material selected from the group consisting of corn fiber, oat fiber, barley fiber, rye fiber, buckwheat fiber, sugar beet fiber, bran fiber, bamboo fiber, wood pulp fiber, cotton fiber, citrus pulp fiber, grass fiber, willow fiber, poplar fiber, cocoa fiber, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the filler is a cellulosic material selected from the group consisting of sugar beet fiber, wood pulp fiber, bamboo fiber, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0137] In some embodiments, the filler is derived from wood pulp fibers. One particularly suitable filler for use in the formulations described herein is microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). MCC can be synthetic, semi-synthetic, or derived entirely from natural cellulose. MCC can be selected from the group consisting of AVICEL® PH-100, PH-101, PH-102, PH-103, PH-105, PH-112, PH-113, PH-200, PH-300, PH-301, and PH-302 grades, VIVACEL® 101, 102, 12, and 20 grades, and EMOCEL® 50M and 90M grades, and mixtures thereof.

[0138] In some embodiments, the filler is a non-tobacco plant material or a derivative thereof. Non-limiting examples of derivatives of non-tobacco plant materials include starch (e.g., from potato, wheat, rice, corn), natural cellulose, and modified cellulosic materials. Additional examples of fillers that can be used include maltodextrin, dextrose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, lactose, mannitol, xylitol, and sorbitol. Combinations of these fillers can also be used.

[0139] As used herein, "starch" can refer to pure starch, modified starch, or starch derivatives derived from any source. Starch, typically in granular form, is present in almost all green plants in various plant tissues and organs (e.g., seeds, leaves, rhizomes, roots, tubers, shoots, fruits, grains, and stems). Starch composition, granule shape, and particle size can vary. Starches derived from different sources often have different chemical and physical properties. A particular starch can be selected for inclusion in a formulation based on the ability of the starch-based material to impart specific sensory properties to the formulation. Starch derived from a variety of sources can be used. For example, major sources of starch include cereals (e.g., rice, wheat, and corn) and root vegetables (e.g., potato and cassava). Other examples of starch sources include acorn, arrowroot, arracacha, banana, barley, beans (e.g., broad beans, lentils, mung beans, peas, chickpeas), breadfruit, buckwheat, canna, chestnut, taro, potato, kudzu, malanga, millet, oats, oka, Polynesian arrowroot, sago, sorghum, sweet potato, quinoa, rye, tapioca, taro, tobacco, water chestnut, and yam. Certain starches are modified starches. Modified starches have undergone one or more structural modifications, generally designed to alter their high-temperature properties. Some starches have been developed through genetic engineering and are considered "modified" starches. Other starches are modified after they are obtained. For example, modified starches can be starches that have undergone chemical reactions such as esterification, etherification, oxidation, acid-catalyzed or base-catalyzed depolymerization (thinning), bleaching, transglycosylation and depolymerization (e.g., dextrinization in the presence of a catalyst), cross-linking, enzyme treatment, acetylation, hydroxypropylation, and / or partial hydrolysis. Other starches are modified by pregelatinization, dextrinization, and / or thermal treatments such as cold water swelling.Specific modified starches include phosphated starch, glycerol cross-linked starch, phosphate cross-linked starch esterified with sodium trimetaphosphate, phosphate monoesterified phosphate cross-linked starch, acetylated phosphate cross-linked starch, starch acetate esterified with acetic anhydride, starch acetate esterified with vinyl acetate, acetylated adipate cross-linked starch, acetylated glycerol cross-linked starch, hydroxypropyl starch, hydroxypropylglycerol cross-linked starch, and starch sodium octenyl succinate.

[0140] water The moisture content (eg, water content) of an oral formulation can be varied depending on the desired properties prior to use by the recipient of the formulation.

[0141] Typically, for solid oral dosage forms, prior to insertion into the user's oral cavity, the moisture content is less than about 60% by weight, generally about 1 to about 60% by weight, e.g., about 5 to about 55% by weight, about 10 to about 50% by weight, about 20 to about 45% by weight, or about 25 to about 40% by weight of the oral dosage form, including at least about 5% by weight, at least about 10% by weight, at least about 15% by weight, and at least about 20% by weight of the oral dosage form.

[0142] In the case of liquid oral formulations, the water content may be higher, for example, at least about 50% by weight of the oral formulation, for example, at least about 60% by weight, for example, at least about 75% by weight. Preferably, the water content of the liquid oral formulation may be at least about 90% by weight of the oral formulation. Preferably, the water content of the liquid oral formulation may be about 60% to about 99.9% by weight of the oral formulation, for example, about 75% to about 99% by weight, for example, about 80% to about 98% by weight.

[0143] fragrance As used herein, the term "flavoring agent" (or "flavor" or "flavorant") refers to an ingredient that can be used, where local regulations permit, to evoke a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in a formulation intended for adult consumption. Examples of somatosensory sensations that can be altered by flavorings include taste, mouthfeel, moistness, cool / warm sensation, and / or scent / aroma. Flavorings can be natural or synthetic, and the flavor characteristics imparted by flavorings can be described as, but are not limited to, cool, sweet, herbal, confectionery, floral, fruity, or spicy.

[0144] Flavoring agents may be any naturally occurring flavoring material, botanical material, extracts of botanical material, synthetically derived material, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha powder, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, raspberry, strawberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, pineapple, etc.). Apple, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, coconut, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, eggplant, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, Caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle squid, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiane, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Calvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor antagonists, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., honey, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanical ingredients,or other additives such as breath fresheners. The flavoring agent may be an imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredient, or a combination thereof. The flavoring agent may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0145] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises a natural flavoring agent, such as berry (e.g., raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry), honey, citrus (e.g., lemon, bergamot, orange, or lime), or other botanical source.

[0146] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0147] In some embodiments, fragrances may include sensuous ingredients intended to produce somatosensory sensations, typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the nerves involved in aroma or taste, and may include ingredients that produce a warming effect, a cooling effect, a tingling sensation, or a numbing sensation. A suitable warming ingredient may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling ingredient may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0148] When present, flavoring agents may be included in the oral formulation in an amount of up to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, such as up to about 5% by weight, e.g., up to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments, flavoring agents are present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, preferably about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight of the oral formulation, and more preferably about 0.25% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0149] Binder In some embodiments, the oral dosage form may further comprise at least one binder. A binder (or combination of binders) may be used in the dosage form in certain embodiments in an amount sufficient to impart desired physical properties and physical integrity to the dosage form.

[0150] The binder can be organic or inorganic, or a combination thereof. Representative binders include cellulose derivatives, povidone, sodium alginate, starch-based binders, pectin, carrageenan, pullulan, zein, and the like, and combinations thereof. The amount of binder used in the formulation can vary but may be up to about 30% by weight, with certain embodiments being characterized by a binder content of at least about 0.1% by weight, e.g., from about 1% to about 30% by weight, or from about 1% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral formulation.

[0151] In some embodiments, the binder comprises a cellulose derivative. In certain embodiments, a cellulose derivative is a cellulose ether (including a carboxyalkyl ether), which refers to a cellulose polymer in which the hydrogen atoms of one or more hydroxyl groups in the cellulose structure have been replaced with an alkyl group, a hydroxyalkyl group, or an aryl group. Non-limiting examples of such cellulose derivatives include methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). In some embodiments, the cellulose derivative is or includes HPC. In some embodiments, the cellulose derivative is a combination of HPC and HPMC. In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises about 1% to about 10% by weight of the cellulose derivative (e.g., HPC), and in certain embodiments, about 1% to about 5% by weight of the cellulose derivative (e.g., HPC) based on the weight of the formulation.

[0152] Wetting agent In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises at least one humectant. Examples of suitable humectants that may be included in the formulation include, but are not limited to, glycerin, 1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol), 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and the like. In some embodiments, the humectant is or includes glycerin. In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises glycerin. In some embodiments, the humectant is or includes propylene glycol. In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises propylene glycol. The amount of humectant used in the oral formulation can vary but may be up to about 5% by weight, with certain embodiments being characterized by a humectant content of at least about 1% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., from about 2 to about 5% by weight. In some embodiments, the humectant (such as glycerin and / or propylene glycol) can be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 25% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 0.5% to about 15% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 1% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 5% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0153] sweetener One or more sweeteners may be added to improve the sensory properties of the oral formulation. The sweetener may be any sweetener or combination of sweeteners, whether natural or artificial, or a combination of natural and artificial sweeteners. Examples of natural sweeteners include fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, stevia, honey, etc. Examples of artificial sweeteners include sucralose, isomaltulose, maltodextrin, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame, etc.

[0154] In some embodiments, the sweetener comprises one or more sugar alcohols. The sugar alcohols may comprise erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, isomalt, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, sorbitol, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sweetener is selected from the group consisting of fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, stevia, honey, sucralose, isomaltulose, maltodextrin, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame, erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, isomalt, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, sorbitol, and mixtures thereof.

[0155] In some embodiments, the sweetener is selected from the group consisting of sucralose, acesulfame K, aspartame, maltodextrin, mannitol, sucrose, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the sweetener can be sucralose and / or acesulfame K. When present in the oral formulation, the sweetener (such as sucralose and / or acesulfame K) can be present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, for example, about 0.01% to about 3% by weight, and preferably about 0.01% to about 1% by weight.

[0156] buffer Non-limiting examples of suitable buffering agents that may be included in the oral formulation include alkali metal acetates, glycinates, phosphates, glycerophosphates, citrates, carbonates, bicarbonates, borates, or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments in which a buffering agent is present, the buffering agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate, ammonium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the buffering agent is sodium bicarbonate and / or sodium carbonate. When present, the buffering agent (e.g., sodium bicarbonate and / or sodium carbonate) may be included in an amount less than about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, such as about 0.5% to about 5% by weight, e.g., about 0.75% to about 4% by weight, about 0.75% to about 3% by weight, or about 1% to about 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral formulation.

[0157] organic acid In some embodiments, the formulation includes an organic acid. As used herein, the term "organic acid" refers to an organic (i.e., carbon-based) compound characterized by acidic properties. Typically, organic acids are relatively weak acids (i.e., they do not completely dissociate in the presence of water), such as carboxylic acids (-COH) or sulfonic acids (-SOHO). As used herein, reference to an organic acid refers to an organic acid that is intentionally added. In this regard, the organic acid may be intentionally added as a particular mixed component, rather than being inherently present simply as a component of another mixed component (e.g., a small amount of organic acid that may be inherently present in a mixed component such as tobacco raw material). In some embodiments, one or more organic acids are added neat (i.e., in free acid form, or in native solid or liquid form) or as a solution, such as, for example, an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, one or more organic acids are added in the form of a salt.

[0158] In some embodiments, the organic acid is a carboxylic acid or a sulfonic acid. The carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid functional group can be, for example, a group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms (C1 to C6). 20In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl carboxylic acid, a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid, a heterocycloalkyl carboxylic acid, an aryl carboxylic acid, a heteroaryl carboxylic acid, an alkyl sulfonic acid, a cycloalkyl sulfonic acid, a heterocycloalkyl sulfonic acid, an aryl sulfonic acid, or a heteroaryl sulfonic acid.

[0159] In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl carboxylic acid. Non-limiting examples of alkyl carboxylic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, etc. In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl sulfonic acid. Non-limiting examples of alkyl sulfonic acids include propane sulfonic acid and octane sulfonic acid.

[0160] In some embodiments, the alkyl carboxylic acid or alkyl sulfonic acid is substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups. Non-limiting examples include glycolic acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, and lactic acid.

[0161] In some embodiments, the organic acid may contain two or more carboxylic acid groups or two or more sulfonic acid groups (e.g., two, three, or more carboxylic acid groups). Non-limiting examples include oxalic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, and glutaric acid. In organic acids containing multiple carboxylic acids (e.g., two to four carboxylic acid groups), one or more carboxylic acid groups may be esterified. Non-limiting examples include succinic acid monoethyl ester, monomethyl fumarate, monomethyl citrate, dimethyl citrate, etc.

[0162] In some embodiments, the organic acid may contain two or more carboxylic acid groups and one or more hydroxyl groups. Non-limiting examples of such acids include tartaric acid, citric acid, etc. In some preferred embodiments, the organic acid is citric acid, sodium citrate, calcium citrate, or a combination thereof.

[0163] In some embodiments, the organic acid is an aryl carboxylic acid or aryl sulfonic acid. Non-limiting examples of aryl carboxylic acids and aryl sulfonic acids include benzoic acid, toluene acid, salicylic acid, benzene sulfonic acid, and p-toluene sulfonic acid.

[0164] Additional non-limiting examples of suitable organic acids include 2,2-dichloroacetic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, 2-oxoglutaric acid, 4-acetamidobenzoic acid, 4-aminosalicylic acid, acetic acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid (L), aspartic acid (L), camphoric acid (+), camphor-10-sulfonic acid (+), capric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, cinnamic acid, cyclamic acid, decanoic acid, dodecyl sulfuric acid, ethane-1,2-disulfonic acid, ethanes ... Sulfonic acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, galactaric acid, gentisic acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, glutamic acid, glycerophosphoric acid, glycolic acid, hippuric acid, isobutyric acid, lactobionic acid, lauric acid, malonic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic acid, naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, pamoic acid, pyroglutamic acid, sebacic acid, stearic acid, and undecylenic acid.

[0165] Preferably, the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, benzoic acid, tartaric acid, and mixtures thereof, hi some preferred embodiments, the organic acid is or includes citric acid or a salt thereof.

[0166] In some embodiments, the organic acid is or includes citric acid anhydride.

[0167] The amount of organic acid present in the formulation can vary. The oral formulation can contain about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of an organic acid (e.g., citric acid or a salt thereof) present as one or more organic acids, based on the total weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the oral formulation contains at least about 0.01%, at least about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or at least about 10% by weight of an organic acid, based on the total weight of the oral formulation. In some preferred embodiments, the oral formulation contains about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of an organic acid (e.g., citric acid or a salt thereof) based on the weight of the oral formulation. For example, the oral formulation may contain an organic acid in an amount of about 0.1% to about 2.5% by weight of the oral formulation. When a salt of an organic acid is added (e.g., citric acid anhydrous), the weight percent is calculated based on the weight of the free acid, without any counterion that may be present.

[0168] In certain embodiments, the inclusion of an organic acid is sufficient to adjust the pH of the formulation to about 4.0 to about 9.0, e.g., about 4.5 to about 7.0, or about 5.5 to about 7.0, about 4.0 to about 5.5, or about 7.0 to about 9.0. In some embodiments, the inclusion of an organic acid is sufficient to adjust the pH of the formulation to about 4.5 to about 6.5, e.g., about 4.5 to about 5.0 to about 5.5 to about 6.0, or about 6.5. In some embodiments, the organic acid is used in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the formulation to about 5.5 to about 6.5, e.g., about 5.5 to about 5.6 to about 5.7 to about 5.8 to about 5.9 to about 6.0 to about 6.1, to about 6.2 to about 6.3 to about 6.4, or to about 6.5.

[0169] In other embodiments, the pH of the formulation is adjusted to the desired value by adding a mineral acid (eg, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, etc.).

[0170] The organic acid (e.g., citric acid) can be added neat (i.e., as a solid) or as a solution, such as an aqueous solution. In some embodiments, the organic acid is added as a 50% aqueous solution.

[0171] salt The oral formulation may further comprise a salt. The salt may be included in an amount sufficient to impart desired organoleptic properties to the formulation. Non-limiting examples of suitable salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, flour salt, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, and the like. The salt may be included in any suitable amount, for example, at least about 0.5% by weight of the oral formulation, for example, at least about 1% by weight, for example, at least about 1.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the oral formulation may comprise the salt in an amount of about 0.5% by weight to about 10% by weight, for example, about 1% by weight to about 7.5% by weight, for example, about 1.5% by weight to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral formulation.

[0172] thickener In some embodiments, the oral formulation may contain a thickener. Suitable thickeners may include hydrocolloids such as xanthan gum, guar gum, konjac gum, tragacanth gum, and gum arabic. For example, xanthan gum is understood to be a thickener that thickens the composition when added during non-heat processing (i.e., without the application of heat).

[0173] If present, thickening agents (eg, xanthan gum) may be included in an amount from about 0.001% to about 5%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral dosage form.

[0174] coloring agent Coloring agents can be used in an amount sufficient to impart the desired physical properties to the formulation. Examples of coloring agents include various dyes and pigments, such as caramel coloring and titanium dioxide. In addition to natural coloring agents such as curcumin, beet juice extract, and spirulina, various synthetic pigments may also be used. The amount of coloring agent used in oral formulations can vary, but when present, is typically up to about 3% by weight, e.g., about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight, or about 1% to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral formulation.

[0175] Other additives Other ingredients, such as preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate), disintegration aids (e.g., croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate, pregelatinized corn starch, etc.), and / or antioxidants, can also be used. Typically, such ingredients, when used, are used in an amount of up to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., at least about 0.1% by weight, e.g., about 0.5 to about 10% by weight. Disintegration aids can be used in an amount sufficient to adjust the desired physical properties of the oral formulation, for example, by causing the formulation to lose its physical integrity upon contact with water, dispersing various components (e.g., by swelling upon contact with water), etc.

[0176] Further exemplary types of additives include zinc or magnesium salts, or combinations thereof, selected to be relatively water-soluble to provide a highly water-soluble composition (e.g., magnesium gluconate or zinc gluconate), or relatively insoluble to provide a less water-soluble composition (e.g., magnesium oxide or zinc oxide). See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,237,769 to Mua et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,728 to Holton, Jr. et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0291245 to Gao et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0062549 to Holton, Jr. et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference, for representative additive components, combinations of components, relative amounts of components, and aspects and methods of using the components. Typical content ranges of such additional additives can vary depending on the nature and function of the additive and the intended effect on the final formulation, and include, for example, a range of up to about 10% by weight (e.g., about 0.1 to about 5% by weight) based on the total weight of the oral formulation.

[0177] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises a magnesium salt. A non-limiting example of a suitable magnesium salt is magnesium gluconate. In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises magnesium in an amount of about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, or about 0.2% to about 1% by weight, based on elemental magnesium.

[0178] In some preferred embodiments, the oral formulation comprises zinc or zinc gluconate in an amount of about 0.1% to about 2% by weight, or about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, based on the oral formulation.

[0179] The aforementioned additives can be used together (e.g., as an additive blend) or separately (e.g., individual additive components can be added at different stages in the preparation of the final formulation). Additionally, additives of the aforementioned types can be encapsulated for addition to the final formulation or composition. For example, exemplary encapsulated additives are described in International Publication No. 2010 / 132444 by Atchley, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0180] Oral formulation The formulations or compositions described herein are adapted for oral use. As used herein, the term "adapted for oral use" means that the formulation is provided in a form such that, during use, one or more components of the formulation (e.g., active ingredient) are dispersed in the user's oral cavity by saliva in the user's mouth. In certain embodiments, the formulation is designed to deliver the active ingredient and optionally a flavoring agent to the user through the user's oral mucosa, the user's digestive system, or both. In some examples, the active ingredient and optionally a flavoring agent can be absorbed through the oral mucosa or through the digestive tract upon use of the formulation.

[0181] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises the combination of active ingredients in an amount of at least about 0.01% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., at least about 0.1% by weight, preferably at least about 1% by weight. The oral formulation may comprise, for example, at least about 0.25% by weight, at least about 0.3% by weight, at least about 0.5% by weight, at least about 0.75% by weight, at least about 1% by weight, at least about 1.5% by weight, at least about 2% by weight, at least about 3% by weight, at least about 4% by weight, or at least about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. The combination of active ingredients may be present in an amount of about 50% by weight or less of the oral formulation, e.g., about 40% by weight or less, e.g., about 30% by weight or less, e.g., about 20% by weight or less, e.g., about 10% by weight or less.

[0182] The active ingredient combination may be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 20% by weight. For example, the active ingredient combination may be present in an amount of about 0.05% to about 15% by weight of the oral formulation, such as about 0.1% to about 10% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 5% by weight. Preferably, the active ingredient combination is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation. Preferably, the active ingredient combination is present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, more preferably about 1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0183] Oral formulations can be in any form suitable for application to the oral cavity of a human or animal. In some embodiments, oral formulations are oral dosage forms in the form of solids, gels, or liquids. In some embodiments, oral formulations are solid oral dosage forms.

[0184] In some preferred embodiments, the oral formulation is a liquid oral dosage form.

[0185] The oral formulations described herein can take a variety of forms, including gels, melt-types, tablets, lozenges, powders, pouches, and liquids (eg, beverages).

[0186] Liquid oral dosage forms In some preferred embodiments, the oral formulation is in the form of a liquid dosage form, which is suitable for oral ingestion, sometimes referred to as a beverage, because it can be ingested (i.e., drunk) by the user.

[0187] The liquid oral dosage form may be in the form of a shot, i.e., a drink that can be quickly consumed, for example, in one or two sips. Formulation of an oral formulation in a shot form may be preferable because it provides a convenient and easy-to-use mode of administration, requiring less storage space (e.g., in a refrigerator or cupboard) and easy portability for users to take on the go. The shot may also function as an efficient delivery vehicle for the active ingredient, thereby delivering a sufficient level of the active ingredient to the user to provide high efficacy without consuming a large amount of liquid. Furthermore, the shot may be formulated to have a pleasant taste. Drinking a shot may be considered more palatable and easier for users than, for example, swallowing a tablet.

[0188] Alternatively, the liquid oral dosage form may be in the form of a large drink that can be taken more slowly over several sips. The liquid oral dosage form may have a volume of about 1 mL to about 250 mL, for example, about 1 mL to about 200 mL. The liquid oral dosage form may have a volume of about 100 mL to about 250 mL and may be provided in a package such as a liquid carton, cup, can, or bottle.

[0189] The liquid oral dosage form may have a volume of about 10 mL to about 100 mL, for example, about 25 mL to about 75 mL. In such embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form may be considered a shot. In some preferred embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form may have a volume of about 50 mL to about 100 mL. For example, the volume of the liquid oral dosage form may be about 50 mL to about 75 mL. The volume of the liquid may be about 60 mL.

[0190] When in the form of a liquid oral dosage form, the oral formulation may further comprise water in an amount of about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises water in an amount of about 75% to about 99.5% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 80% to about 99% by weight, e.g., about 90% to about 97.5% by weight. In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises water in an amount of about 90% to about 99.5% by weight of the oral formulation, and may comprise water in an amount of about 95% to about 99% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0191] If present, the water may include tap water, rainwater, mineral-containing water, or distilled water. Preferably, the water is distilled water.

[0192] The liquid oral dosage form may comprise the active ingredient combination in an amount of about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, and water in an amount of about 90% to about 99.9% by weight of the oral formulation. The liquid oral dosage form may comprise the active ingredient combination in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation, and water in an amount of about 90% to about 99.5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0193] In some embodiments, the combination of active ingredients in the liquid oral dosage form includes (i) caffeine, (ii) a B vitamin combination as defined hereinabove, (iii) taurine, optionally, (iv) vitamin C, and / or (v) ginseng. The combination of active ingredients in the liquid oral dosage form may include (i) caffeine, (ii) a B vitamin combination as defined hereinabove, (iii) taurine, (iv) vitamin C, and (v) ginseng.

[0194] In any of the above embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form may optionally further comprise zinc or zinc gluconate in an amount of about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0195] In any of the above embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form may further comprise an organic acid, preferably citric acid or a salt thereof. The organic acid may be present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0196] A liquid oral dosage form (e.g., a shot form having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) may contain caffeine in an amount of about 50 mg to about 500 mg, preferably about 100 mg to about 250 mg, and more preferably about 100 mg to about 200 mg. In some embodiments, a liquid oral dosage form (e.g., a shot form having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) contains caffeine in an amount of about 100 mg to about 150 mg. Those skilled in the art will understand that the "mg" value of caffeine refers to the active ingredient. Naturally derived caffeine may have, for example, % caffeine and should be included in an amount to deliver the caffeine in the amounts defined above. For example, to deliver 150 mg of caffeine, 250 mg of green tea extract with a caffeine content of 60% would be required.

[0197] A liquid oral dosage form (e.g., a shot form having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) may contain taurine in an amount of about 1 mg to about 500 mg, preferably about 10 mg to about 250 mg, and more preferably about 20 mg to about 200 mg. In some embodiments, a liquid oral dosage form (e.g., a shot form having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) contains taurine in an amount of about 100 mg to about 200 mg. In some embodiments, a liquid oral dosage form (e.g., a shot form having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) contains taurine in an amount of about 10 mg to about 50 mg.

[0198] A liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) may contain a total amount of B vitamins in an amount of about 1 mg to about 100 mg, preferably about 10 mg to about 75 mg, and more preferably about 25 mg to about 50 mg.

[0199] In some preferred embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) contains a combination of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12, with a total amount of B vitamins ranging from about 10 mg to about 50 mg. In other preferred embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) contains a combination of vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B7, with a total amount of B vitamins ranging from about 1 mg to about 25 mg.

[0200] When present, a liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) may contain ginseng in an amount of about 10 mg to about 300 mg, preferably about 25 mg to about 200 mg, and more preferably about 50 mg to about 150 mg.

[0201] When present, the liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) may contain vitamin C in an amount of about 10 mg to about 500 mg, e.g., about 50 mg to about 500 mg, e.g., about 200 mg to about 400 mg. In some preferred embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) may contain vitamin C in an amount of about 250 mg to about 350 mg.

[0202] In some embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) comprises: (i) about 50 mg to about 500 mg of caffeine, (ii) about 1 mg to about 100 mg of a vitamin B complex combination, the vitamin B complex combination including vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) about 1 mg to about 500 mg of taurine, Optionally, (iv) about 50 mg to about 500 mg of vitamin C, and / or Optionally, (v) about 10 mg to about 300 mg of ginseng.

[0203] In some embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) comprises: (i) about 50 mg to about 500 mg of caffeine, (ii) about 1 mg to about 100 mg of a vitamin B group combination, the vitamin B group combination including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; (iii) about 1 mg to about 500 mg of taurine, Optionally, (iv) about 10 mg to about 500 mg of vitamin C, and / or Optionally, (v) about 10 mg to about 300 mg of ginseng.

[0204] In some embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) comprises: (i) about 100 mg to about 200 mg of caffeine, (ii) about 10 mg to about 50 mg of a vitamin B complex combination, the vitamin B complex combination including vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) about 20 mg to about 200 mg of taurine, Optionally, (iv) about 250 mg to about 350 mg of vitamin C, and / or Optionally, (v) about 50 mg to about 200 mg of ginseng.

[0205] In some embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) comprises: (i) about 100 mg to about 200 mg of caffeine, (ii) about 1 mg to about 50 mg of a vitamin B complex combination, the vitamin B complex combination including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; (iii) about 20 mg to about 200 mg of taurine, Optionally, (iv) about 10 mg to about 350 mg of vitamin C, and / or Optionally, (v) about 50 mg to about 200 mg of ginseng.

[0206] In some embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) comprises: (i) about 100 mg to about 200 mg of caffeine; (ii) about 10 mg to about 50 mg of a vitamin B complex combination, the vitamin B complex combination including vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) about 20 mg to about 200 mg of taurine; (iv) about 250 mg to about 350 mg of vitamin C; (v) about 50 mg to about 200 mg of ginseng.

[0207] In some embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL) comprises: (i) about 100 mg to about 200 mg of caffeine; (ii) about 1 mg to about 50 mg of a vitamin B complex combination, the vitamin B complex combination including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; (iii) about 20 mg to about 200 mg of taurine; (iv) about 250 mg to about 350 mg of vitamin C; (v) about 50 mg to about 200 mg of ginseng.

[0208] The inventors have found that the above amounts of active ingredients provide beneficial effects of increasing energy levels and improving brain function while providing a safe formulation with reduced side effects. The amounts of active ingredients can be adjusted so that the formulation is highly effective while ensuring safety for the user and avoiding overdosing on the active ingredients.

[0209] The liquid oral dosage form, in some embodiments, may further comprise an acidifying agent. The acidifying agent may be an organic acid as described hereinabove. In some embodiments, the acidifying agent is citric acid or a salt thereof (e.g., citric acid anhydride) or includes citric acid or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the pH of the liquid oral dosage form is about 2 to about 6, e.g., about 2.5 to about 4 or about 2.5 to about 3.5. In any of the above embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form may further comprise an organic acid, preferably citric acid or a salt thereof, in an amount of 100 mg to 200 mg.

[0210] In any of the above embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form may optionally further comprise zinc gluconate in an amount of about 50 mg to about 150 mg.

[0211] The liquid oral dosage form may contain any additional suitable additives. Suitable additives are described in detail above, and all of the additives described herein may be included in the liquid oral dosage form. In some embodiments, the liquid oral dosage form may further contain an additive selected from the group consisting of flavoring agents, sweeteners, acidifiers, thickeners, humectants, preservatives, and mixtures thereof. Examples of the various additives mentioned above are described herein above.

[0212] solid oral dosage forms In some embodiments, the oral formulation is in a solid form. As used herein, the term "solid" means that the formulation can substantially maintain its physical shape when not supported by external means, such as packaging. Thus, the formulation is considered to be solid, solid-like, in solid form, or in solid-like form at room temperature. For the avoidance of doubt, a solid formulation remains substantially solid up to 30°C. In some embodiments, the oral formulation is in a solid form such as moist loose snuff, dry loose snuff, pellet-like pieces, strips, pieces, rods, or sticks obtained by extrusion or molding, finely divided powders, powder-like pieces and finely divided or comminuted agglomerates of ingredients, flake-like pieces, molded pieces, films, films or strips that are readily soluble or dispersible in water, capsule-like articles, tablets, or lozenges. In some embodiments, the oral formulation is a tablet or lozenge. In some embodiments, the oral formulation is in the form of moist snuff or snus, which may or may not contain tobacco.

[0213] The oral dosage forms disclosed herein can be formed into a variety of shapes, including various tablets, spheres, strips, films, sheets, coins, cubes, beads, ovoids, ellipsoids, cylinders, beans, sticks, or rods. The cross-sectional shape of the dosage form can vary, with exemplary cross-sectional shapes including circle, square, oval, rectangle, etc. Such shapes can be formed in a variety of ways using equipment such as moving belts, nip devices, extruders, granulators, and compactors.

[0214] In some embodiments, the solid oral formulation is in a form selected from the group consisting of a melt-type, a tablet, or a lozenge.

[0215] Melt Type In some embodiments, the formulations can be meltable, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0037175 to Cantrell et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0216] As used herein, "melt," "melting," and "meltable" refer to the ability of a formulation to change from a solid state to a liquid state. That is, melting occurs when a substance (e.g., a formulation disclosed herein) changes from a solid to a liquid, usually by heating.

[0217] The heating of the formulations disclosed herein is provided by the temperature inside the user's mouth. Thus, the term "meltable" refers to a formulation that can be liquefied in the user's mouth when the formulation undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid, and is intended to distinguish it from a formulation that simply disintegrates in the mouth due to the loss of cohesion of the formulation, which simply dissolves in the mouth when the water-soluble components of the formulation interact with moisture.

[0218] Generally, meltable formulations include lipids. In some embodiments, the composition includes lipids. Lipids are fatty, oily, or waxy components typically derived from animal or plant sources (e.g., plant-derived fats) and typically contain primarily triglycerides with minor amounts of free fatty acids and monoglycerides or diglycerides. In certain embodiments, the lipids are solid or semi-solid at room temperature (i.e., 25°C) and can be at least partially liquefied (i.e., "melted") upon exposure to the temperature of a user's mouth. Exemplary plant-derived fats are primarily composed of saturated or unsaturated fatty acid chains (mostly attached in triglyceride structures) having carbon chain lengths of about 10 to about 26 carbon atoms, or about 14 to about 20 carbon atoms, or about 14 to about 18 carbon atoms.

[0219] In some embodiments, the lipid comprises an oil, particularly a food-grade oil, including fractionated oils. Such oils include vegetable oils (e.g., acai oil, almond oil, amaranth oil, apricot oil, apple seed oil, argan oil, avocado oil, babassu oil, beechnut oil, ben oil, bitter melon seed oil, black seed oil, black currant seed oil, borage seed oil, Borneo taro nut oil, bottle gourd seed oil, Brazil nut oil, buffalo gourd oil, butternut squash seed oil, Cape chestnut oil, canola oil, carob oak seed oil, and the like). Dew oil, cocoa butter, oakleber oil, coconut oil, corn oil, cosun oil, coriander seed oil, cottonseed oil, date seed oil, zika oil, egus seed oil, evening primrose oil, eggplant oil, linseed oil, grape seed oil, grapefruit seed oil, hazelnut seed oil, hemp oil, kapok seed oil, kenaf seed oil, lalemantia oil, lemon oil, linseed oil, macadamia oil, mafra oil, marula oil, meadowfoam seed oil, mongongo nut Oil, Mustard Oil, Niger Seed Oil, Nutmeg Butter, Okra Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Orange Oil, Palm Oil, Papaya Seed Oil, Groundnut Oil, Pecan Oil, Perilla Seed Oil, Perilla Seed Oil, Pequi Oil, Pili Nut Oil, Pine Nut Oil, Pistachio Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Poppy Seed Oil, Praxi Oil, Prune Seed Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Quinoa Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Royle Oil, Sacha Inchi Oil, Safflower Oil, Sapote Oil, Seji oil, sesame oil, shea butter, soybean oil, sunflower oil, tarramilla oil, tea seed oil, thistle oil, tiger nut oil, tobacco seed oil, tomato seed oil, walnut oil, watermelon seed oil, wheat germ oil, and combinations thereof), animal oils (e.g., beef tallow, buffalo tallow, mutton tallow, goat tallow, lard, camel tallow, tallow, liquid margarine, fish oil, fish liver oil, whale oil, seal oil, and combinations thereof), and mineral oils.

[0220] In certain embodiments, the plant-derived fats of the present disclosure include palm oil, palm kernel oil (including fractionated palm oil), soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the lipid is a blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil. The lipid may be, for example, hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or non-hydrogenated. Exemplary embodiments of lipids can be purchased under the trade names CEBES®, CISAO®, or CONF AO®, available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.

[0221] The melting point of the lipid is typically about 29°C or higher, e.g., about 29°C to about 49°C, or about 36°C to about 45°C, or about 38°C to about 41°C. In some embodiments, the use of lipids with melting points below about 36°C is not suitable due to the possibility of melting during storage or handling of the formulation. One test for determining the melting point of a lipid is the Mettler Dropping Point Method (ASTM D3954-15, Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Waxes, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org.).

[0222] When present, the amount of lipid in the composition may vary. In certain embodiments, the amount of lipid is at least about 10%, at least about 20%, or at least about 30% by dry weight of the composition. In certain embodiments, the amount of lipid is less than about 70%, less than about 60%, or less than about 50% by dry weight. Exemplary lipid weight ranges include about 10 to about 70% by dry weight, e.g., about 35 to about 50% by dry weight. In some embodiments, the amount of lipid is about 35, about 40, about 45, or about 50% by weight of the total oral formulation.

[0223] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises a lipid. In one embodiment, the lipid is an oil selected from the group consisting of palm oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, and combinations thereof, and the oil may be hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or non-hydrogenated. In one embodiment, the lipid is a medium-hardness trans-hydrogenated filling fat such as Confao® 5, available from AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc., 131 Marsh Street, Port Newark, NJ 07114.

[0224] In some embodiments, the dissolvable formulation comprises lipid in an amount of about 35% to about 50% by weight of the oral formulation and sugar alcohol in an amount of about 35% to about 55% by weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the sugar alcohol is isomalt, erythritol, sorbitol, arabitol, ribitol, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sugar alcohol is or includes isomalt. In some embodiments, a sugar substitute may be a sugar alcohol substitute or may be used in combination with one or more sugar alcohols. Suitable sugar substitutes include allulose, water-soluble tapioca fiber, inulin, and combinations thereof.

[0225] tablet In certain embodiments, the formulation is in the form of a compressed or molded tablet. Exemplary tablet dosage forms have a weight of about 250 mg to about 1500 mg, e.g., about 250 mg to about 700 mg, or about 700 mg to about 1500 mg. Tablets can have any of a variety of shapes, including conventional tablet shapes.

[0226] Generally, tablet formulations comprise a glucose-polysaccharide blend and a sugar alcohol. In some embodiments, the glucose-polysaccharide blend is present in an amount of about 35 to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation, and the sugar alcohol is present in an amount of about 30 to about 45% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the sugar alcohol is isomalt, erythritol, sorbitol, arabitol, ribitol, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sugar alcohol is or comprises isomalt.

[0227] When in tablet form, the formulation may be dissolvable. As used herein, the terms "dissolve," "dissolving," and "dissolvable" refer to a formulation having water-soluble components that interact with the moisture in the oral cavity and dissolve into solution, allowing the formulation to be gradually ingested. In one aspect, a dissolvable formulation can remain in the user's oral cavity for a given period of time until completely dissolved. The dissolution rate can vary over a wide range, from about 1 minute or less to about 60 minutes. For example, immediate-release formulations typically dissolve and / or release the desired components (e.g., active ingredient, flavor, etc.) in about 2 minutes or less, often about 1 minute or less (e.g., about 50 seconds or less, about 40 seconds or less, about 30 seconds or less, or about 20 seconds or less). Dissolution can occur by melting, mechanical disruption (e.g., chewing), enzymatic or other chemical degradation, or by disruption of interactions between the components of the formulation. In other embodiments, the formulation does not dissolve while the formulation remains in the user's oral cavity.

[0228] Lozenges In some embodiments, the formulations disclosed herein may be in the form of dissolvable lozenges adapted for oral use. Exemplary lozenge-shaped formulations of the present invention have the form of lozenges, tablets, microtablets, or other tablet-like formulations. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,967,773 to Shaw, U.S. Patent No. 5,110,605 to Acharya, U.S. Patent No. 5,733,574 to Dam, U.S. Patent No. 6,280,761 to Santus, U.S. Patent No. 6,676,959 to Andersson et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,248,760 and U.S. Patent No. 7,374,779 to Wilhelmsen, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001 / 0016593 to Wilhelmsen, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0004294 to Axelsson et al., ...

[0229] Troche formulations are generally described as "hard" and are distinguished from soft troches (i.e., soft-type troches) as follows: Hard troches are mixtures of sugars and / or carbohydrates in an amorphous state. Hard troches are made from an aqueous sugar solution; however, the water initially present evaporates as the sugar solution boils during processing, so the moisture content of the final formulation is very low, e.g., 0.5% to 1.5% by weight. To obtain a hard, non-sticky troche, the temperature of the melt must generally reach a hard crack stage, an exemplary temperature range of 149° to 154°C.

[0230] In some embodiments, the lozenge formulation may exhibit translucency or transparency. The desired transparency or translucency of a formulation can be quantified by any known technique. For example, optical measurements such as turbidity (or scattered light measurement) and colorimetry can be used to quantify the turbidity (light scattering) and color (light absorption) of the formulation, respectively. Translucency can also be confirmed by visual inspection by simply holding the formulation level with a light source and determining whether light diffusely passes through the material or formulation.

[0231] The lozenge formulations of the present disclosure can incorporate a variety of different additives in addition to the combination of active ingredients and can be prepared by a variety of different methods for preparing lozenges that are generally known in the art. Exemplary compositions, formulations, and methods for preparing such formulations are detailed herein below.

[0232] The lozenge formulations of the present disclosure typically comprise a composition comprising a combination of an active ingredient in an amount of less than about 2% by weight, a sugar substitute in an amount of at least about 80% by weight, and a sugar alcohol solution. Any active ingredient discussed herein is suitable for use as an active ingredient in the lozenge formulations provided herein. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be provided in liquid form or in dry powder or particulate form. As described above, the active ingredient is typically present in an amount of about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight, for example, about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight, such as about 0.1% by weight, about 0.5% by weight, about 1% by weight, about 1.5% by weight, about 2% by weight, about 2.5% by weight, about 3% by weight, about 3.5% by weight, about 4% by weight, about 4.5% by weight to about 5.5% by weight, about 6% by weight, about 6.5% by weight, about 7% by weight, about 7.5% by weight, about 8% by weight, about 8.5% by weight, about 9% by weight, about 9.5% by weight, about 10% by weight, etc. In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be present in an amount of less than about 10% by weight, less than about 9% by weight, less than about 8% by weight, less than about 7% by weight, less than about 6% by weight, less than about 5% by weight, less than about 4% by weight, less than about 3% by weight, less than about 2% by weight, or less than about 1% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation.

[0233] In some embodiments, the lozenge formulation comprises a sugar substitute. The sugar substitute is typically provided in a pure solid form (e.g., granular or powdered form). In certain embodiments, the sugar substitute is dry and has a very low moisture content. For example, the sugar substitute may contain less than about 5% water by weight, less than about 3% water by weight, less than about 2% water by weight, or less than about 1% water by weight. In certain embodiments, the sugar substitute is capable of forming a glassy matrix. The formation of a glassy matrix is ​​generally characterized by a translucent / transparent appearance.

[0234] Typically, sugar substitutes are substantially non-hygroscopic. Non-hygroscopic materials typically do not absorb, adsorb, and / or retain substantial amounts of moisture from the air. Non-hygroscopic materials can provide the advantage of reducing the tendency of the lozenge formulation to stick when exposed to moisture. Sugar substitutes can be any sugar-free material (i.e., sucrose-free material) and can be natural or synthetically produced. Sugar substitutes used in the formulations described herein can be nutritive or non-nutritive. For example, sugar substitutes are generally sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols that may be useful according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, erythritol, threitol, arabitol, xylitol, ribotol, mannitol, sorbitol, dulcitol, iditol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, polyglycitol, and mixtures thereof. For example, in certain embodiments, the sugar alcohol is selected from the group consisting of erythritol, sorbitol, and isomalt. The amount of sugar substitute in a lozenge formulation can vary, but is typically at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95% by weight of the formulation.

[0235] In certain embodiments, the sugar substitute comprises one or more sugar alcohols, for example, in one embodiment the sugar substitute is isomalt.

[0236] In some embodiments, the sugar substitute is one or more of allulose, water-soluble tapioca fiber, and inulin. Such sugar substitutes may be substitutes for sugar alcohols or may be used in combination with one or more sugar alcohols.

[0237] In some embodiments, the lozenge formulations of the present disclosure may contain a sugar solution, such as a sugar syrup or a sugar alcohol solution. As used herein, "sugar alcohol solution" is intended to refer to a highly concentrated aqueous solution of a sugar alcohol, e.g., having a solids content of greater than about 40%, preferably greater than about 50%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 70%, or greater than about 80%. Typically, the solids of a sugar alcohol solution are predominantly composed of a particular sugar alcohol (i.e., a maltitol solution typically contains greater than about 80%, greater than about 85%, or greater than about 90% by weight of maltitol on a dry basis). Sugar alcohol solutions are generally prepared by heating an aqueous solution of a sugar alcohol and cooling the mixture to obtain a viscous composition. The resulting sugar solution is typically characterized by a relatively high concentration of sugar alcohol and a relatively high stability (i.e., the sugar alcohol typically does not crystallize from solution, e.g., at room temperature).

[0238] Sugar solutions, such as sugar alcohol solutions, can desirably affect the recrystallization of melted sugar substitutes. One example of a particularly useful sugar alcohol solution according to the present disclosure is maltitol solution. Other sugar alcohol solutions can be used, including, but not limited to, corn solution, golden syrup, molasses, xylitol solution, mannitol solution, glycerol solution, erythritol solution, threitol solution, arabitol solution, ribitol solution, mannitol solution, sorbitol solution, dulcitol solution, iditol solution, isomalt solution, lactitol solution, and polyglycitol solution. Such sugar alcohol solutions can be prepared or obtained commercially. For example, maltitol solution is commercially available from suppliers such as Corn Products Specialty Ingredients. While sugar alcohol solutions may be preferred, in certain embodiments, sugar syrups can be used in place of or in combination with the sugar alcohol solution. For example, in some embodiments, corn syrup, golden syrup, and / or molasses can be used.

[0239] The amount of sugar alcohol solution added to the lozenge formulation mixture is typically an amount necessary to slow the recrystallization of the molten sugar substitute. It should be noted that the amount of sugar alcohol solution can be varied depending on the composition of the remaining ingredients to ensure that recrystallization is sufficiently slow to yield a material with the desired properties (e.g., a desired level of translucency / transparency). Thus, the amount of sugar alcohol solution can vary, but typically ranges from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the lozenge formulation mixture, often from about 0.5% to about 1.5% by weight, and more often about 1% by weight. In certain embodiments, the amount of sugar alcohol solution is higher, e.g., up to about 2% by weight of the mixture, up to about 5% by weight of the mixture, up to about 10% by weight of the mixture, or up to about 20% by weight of the mixture.

[0240] Representative lozenge compositions and formulations may incorporate up to about 10% by weight of a combination of active ingredients, about 0.01 to about 2% by weight of an artificial sweetener, about 1% to about 5% by weight of a humectant, about 1% to about 5% by weight of a natural sweetener, at least about 80% by weight of a sugar substitute, about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of a sugar alcohol solution, one or more flavorings in an amount up to about 5% by weight, and salt in an amount up to about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the formulation. The specific proportions and selection of ingredients will vary depending on the flavor, texture, and other characteristics desired.

[0241] The oral formulations in the form of lozenges of the present disclosure may contain various amounts of water. The water content of the lozenges described herein can vary within the ranges described below depending on the desired properties and characteristics, and can determine the final form of the formulation before use by a consumer. For example, lozenge-shaped formulations typically have a water content in the range of about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of the formulation. Preferably, the water content of the lozenge formulation present in one unit of formulation before insertion into the user's oral cavity is less than about 5%, less than about 3%, less than about 2%, or less than about 1% by weight of the formulation. In some embodiments, the water content of the lozenge formulations described herein can be within the range of about 0.1% to about 5%, about 0.5 to about 3%, or about 1 to about 2% by weight of the formulation.

[0242] Powder or pouch-packaged preparations In some embodiments, the oral formulation may be in the form of a powder. The powder may be a free-flowing powder. The powder may be contained in a loose form in a container and thus may be used in a form similar to snuff, when the user takes a pinch of powder from the container and retains it in the oral cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the powder may be incorporated into a moisture-permeable (e.g., saliva-permeable) pouch similar to snus-type products. The pouch-packaged formulation may be configured to be inserted into the oral cavity of the user, i.e., may be a pouch-packaged oral formulation.

[0243] In some embodiments, the formulations of the present disclosure are in the form of pouch-packaged oral formulations. Such pouch-packaged formulations include an oral formulation described herein placed in a moisture-permeable container (e.g., a water-permeable pouch or a saliva-permeable pouch). For example, the pouch-packaged formulation may include an oral formulation in powder form incorporated into a saliva-permeable pouch.

[0244] Such compositions in the form of breathable pouches are typically used by retaining one pouch containing the composition in the oral cavity of a human subject / user. Generally, the pouch is retained somewhere in the user's oral cavity, for example, under the lips, in a manner similar to the normal use of moist snuff products. The pouch is preferably not chewed or swallowed. Upon exposure to saliva, some of the components of the composition therein (e.g., active ingredient and / or any flavoring) pass through, for example, the breathable pouch, providing flavor and a satisfying sensation to the user, without the user having to expectorate any portion of the composition. After about 10 to about 60 minutes of use / enjoyment, typically about 15 to about 45 minutes, once a significant amount of the composition has been ingested by the human subject, the pouch can be removed from the human subject's mouth for disposal.

[0245] In some embodiments, the pouch is saliva-permeable. This means that the pouch is made of a saliva-permeable pouch material. Pouch materials used in oral pouch-packaged formulations are typically dry-bonded nonwovens containing viscose rayon fibers (i.e., regenerated cellulose) and an acrylic polymer, which acts as a binder in the nonwoven material and allows the pouch to be heat-sealed during manufacturing. The pouch material may also contain synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester) in addition to viscose fibers. The viscose nonwoven material typically used in smokeless tobacco pouches is similar to the fibrous material used in tea bags. Nonwovens are fibrous materials that are neither woven nor knitted. Methods for manufacturing nonwoven materials are generally known in the art. For more information on nonwovens, see "Handbook of Nonwovens" by S. Russell, published by Woodhead Pub I. Ltd. in 2007. In some embodiments, the pouch material is a fleece material. In some embodiments, the pouch material is a nonwoven material. In some embodiments, the pouch material is a nonwoven fleece material. In some embodiments, the pouch material comprises viscose, e.g., viscose rayon fibers. In some embodiments, the pouch material comprises regenerated cellulose fibers. In some embodiments, the pouch material comprises polyester fibers, which may comprise the pouch material or may be included in combination with viscose (e.g., regenerated cellulose fibers).

[0246] In some embodiments, the pouch material includes a binder that allows the pouch to be heat sealed during manufacturing. In some embodiments, the pouch material includes an acrylic binder. In some embodiments, the pouch material includes an acrylic binder in combination with viscose and / or polyester fibers.

[0247] Suitable sachets, pouches, or containers of the type used to manufacture smokeless tobacco products are available under the trade names CatchDry, Ettan, General, Granit, Goteborgs Rape, Grovsnus White, Metropol Kaktus, Mocca Anis, Mocca Mint, Mocca Wintergreen, Kicks, Probe, Prince, Skruf, and TreAnkrare. The composition can be contained and packaged in a pouch in a manner similar to that used to manufacture conventional snus-type products, using various ingredients used in the manufacture of conventional snus-type products. The pouch functions as a moisture-permeable container, the type of which may be considered similar in characteristics to the mesh material used to manufacture tea bags. The ingredients of the composition readily diffuse through the pouch into the user's mouth. Non-limiting examples of suitable types of pouches are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,244 to Kjerstad, U.S. Pat. No. 8,931,493 to Sebastian, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0000140 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0073689 to Sebastian et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0157515 to Chapman et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0192703 to Sebastian et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The pouches can be provided as individual pouches or multiple pouches (e.g., 2, 4, 5, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, or 30 pouches) can be connected or joined together (e.g., end to end) so that a single pouch or individual portion can be easily removed for use from an integral band or matrix of pouches.

[0248] Exemplary pouches can be manufactured from materials that allow controlled dispersion or dissolution of the pouch during use by the user. Such pouch materials can be in the form of mesh, screen, perforated paper, permeable fabric, etc. For example, a pouch material made from mesh-like rice paper or perforated rice paper can dissolve in the user's mouth. As a result, the pouch and composition can each completely disperse in the user's mouth under normal use conditions, and thus both the pouch and the composition can be ingested by the user. Other examples of pouch materials can be manufactured using water-dispersible film-forming materials (e.g., binders such as alginate, carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, pullulan, etc.) and combinations of water-dispersible film-forming materials with comminuted cellulose (e.g., finely divided wood pulp). While preferred pouch materials are water-dispersible or soluble, they may also be designed and manufactured so that a significant amount of the composition contents can permeate the pouch material under normal use conditions before the pouch loses its physical integrity. If desired, flavoring ingredients, disintegration aids, and other desired ingredients may be incorporated into or applied to the pouch material.

[0249] The amount of oral formulation contained in each pouch-packaged formulation unit, e.g., one pouch, can vary. In some embodiments, the weight of the composition in each pouch is at least about 50 mg, e.g., about 50 mg to about 1 gram (1000 mg), e.g., about 100 mg to about 900 mg, e.g., about 200 mg to about 800 mg, e.g., about 500 mg to about 700 mg. In some smaller embodiments, the weight of the composition in each pouch can be about 100 mg to about 300 mg. In larger embodiments, the weight of the composition in each pouch can be about 300 mg to about 700 mg. If desired, other ingredients can be included in each pouch.

[0250] The moisture content of an oral formulation may vary depending on the form in which the composition is provided. In some embodiments described hereinabove, the oral formulation may be in the form of moist snuff or snus, and may be provided in pouch form. In some embodiments (e.g., in the case of snus-like formulations), the moisture content of the composition (before inserting the formulation into the user's oral cavity) may be at least about 20% by weight of the oral formulation, such as at least 30% by weight, for example at least 40% by weight, for example at least 50% by weight. In some embodiments (e.g., in the case of snus-like formulations, e.g., non-pouch or pouch-packaged snus-like formulations), the moisture content of the composition (before inserting the formulation into the user's oral cavity) may be about 20% by weight to about 70% by weight of the oral formulation, such as about 30% by weight to about 60% by weight, for example about 40% by weight to about 55% by weight.

[0251] In some embodiments, the oral formulation may be a "dry" snus- or snuff-like formulation. In such embodiments, the moisture content of the oral formulation may be about 10% or less, e.g., about 5% or less, by weight of the oral formulation. For example, the moisture content may be about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, e.g., about 1% to about 5% by weight.

[0252] When in the form of a pouch-packaged oral formulation, the oral formulation typically contains a filler. The filler may be a cellulosic material, preferably selected from the suitable materials described above. In some preferred embodiments, the filler is or at least includes MCC. The amount of filler can vary, but is typically at least about 5% to about 95% by weight of the oral formulation, based on the total weight of the oral formulation. In some embodiments, the filler (e.g., a cellulosic material such as MCC) is present in the oral formulation in an amount of about 5% to about 95% by weight, e.g., about 10% to about 90% by weight, e.g., about 15% to about 85% by weight, e.g., about 20% to about 80% by weight, e.g., about 25% to about 75% by weight, e.g., about 30% to about 70% by weight, e.g., about 35% to about 65% by weight, e.g., about 40% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the filler (eg, a cellulosic material such as MCC) may be present in an amount of about 45% to about 55% by weight of the oral dosage form.

[0253] packaging According to some embodiments described herein, a package containing the oral formulation described herein is provided. For example, the package may contain the oral formulation in powder form. In such embodiments, the package may be in the form of a tinplate or plastic container. Alternatively or additionally, the package may contain the oral formulation in the form of a lozenge, tablet, or the like. The package may be in the form of a blister pack, tinplate, or plastic container containing such oral dosage forms.

[0254] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a package containing at least one pouch-packaged oral formulation described herein. The pouch-packaged formulation described herein can be packaged in any suitable inner wrapper and / or outer container. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,039 to Henson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,110 to Kutsch et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,584,843 to Kutsch et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,945 to Gelardi et al., U.S. Design Patent No. D592,956 to Thiellier, U.S. Design Patent No. D594,154 to Patel et al., U.S. Design Patent No. D625,178 to Bailey et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0173317 to Robinson et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0014343 to Clark et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0014343 to Bjorkholm, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. See also various smokeless product containers described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 4450 to Bellamah et al., 2009 / 0250360 to Bellamah et al., 2009 / 0266837 to Gelardi et al., 2009 / 0223989 to Gelardi, 2009 / 0230003 to Thiellier, 2010 / 0084424 to Gelardi, 2010 / 0133140 to Bailey et al., 2010 / 0264157 to Bailey et al., and 2011 / 0168712 to Bailey et al. For example, the package may be a tinplate or plastic container containing a plurality of pouch-packaged oral dosage forms.

[0255] In some preferred embodiments, where the oral formulation is in liquid form, a package in the form of a bottle or can containing the liquid oral dosage form is provided. The package may be a bottle containing a desired volume of the liquid oral dosage form.

[0256] method The manner in which the various components of the composition (e.g., active ingredient and optional additives) are combined can vary. Thus, for example, the overall formulation, including powdered composition components, can be relatively uniform (e.g., homogeneous) in nature. The above components, which may be in liquid or dry solid form, can be added by mixing in a pre-processing step before mixing with any remaining components of the formulation, or can simply be mixed with all other liquid or dry ingredients.

[0257] The various components of the formulation can be contacted, combined, or mixed using any mixing technique or device known in the art. Any mixing method that allows for intimate contact of the formulation components can be used, such as a mixing device featuring an impeller or other agitating structure. Examples of mixing devices include casing drums, adjusting cylinders or drums, liquid spray devices, conical blenders, ribbon blenders, mixers such as FKM130, FKM600, FKM1200, FKM2000, and FKM3000 available from Littleford Day, Inc., plowshare-type mixing cylinders, Hobart mixers, and the like. See also, for example, the various techniques described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,148,325 to Solomon et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,510,855 to Korte et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,654 to Williams, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the components forming the formulation are prepared so that the mixture can be used in the starch forming method to form the formulation.The manner and method of formulating the product will be clear to those skilled in the art.See, for example, the various methods described in U.S. Patent No. 4,148,325 by Solomon et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,510,855 by Korte et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,834,654 by Williams, U.S. Patent No. 4,725,440 by Ridgway et al., and U.S. Patent No. 6,077,524 by Bolder et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0258] Method for preparing a liquid oral dosage form According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of preparing an oral formulation described herein, comprising: (a) combining active ingredients; (b) contacting the active ingredient with water; (c) mixing the active ingredient with water to prepare the oral formulation.

[0259] The combination of active ingredients may be as described herein above. The combination of active ingredients may also be as described below in connection with "Further Broad Aspects."

[0260] The active ingredient may be provided in the form of a liquid extract, a liquid oil, or a powder. If in powder form, step (c) may comprise mixing the active ingredient with water until the active ingredient is dissolved in the water.

[0261] Step (b) and / or step (c) may preferably be carried out at ambient or room temperature (20-25°C). Alternatively, the temperature may be elevated to aid in the dispersion or dissolution of the active ingredient in water. For example, step (b) may involve contacting the active ingredient with water at a temperature of about 20-100°C, e.g., about 30-90°C, or about 40-80°C. Step (b) may involve mixing the active ingredient with water at a temperature of about 20-100°C, e.g., about 30-90°C, or about 40-80°C.

[0262] The method may include adding optional additional additives at any stage. For example, optional additives may be added to the active ingredients before combining with water and / or after combining the active ingredients with water. Additives may be added to the water before contacting the water with the active ingredient combination. Step (a) may include the optional step of combining optional additives (e.g., acidifying agents) with the active ingredient combination. Step (b) may include the optional step of contacting the active ingredients with water and additives. Step (c) may include the optional step of adding additives to the mixture and mixing the additives with the active ingredient and water combination.

[0263] In some embodiments, the oral formulation further comprises one or more additives selected from a thickener, an organic acid, or a mixture thereof. In such embodiments, the one or more additives can be combined with water prior to the addition of the active ingredient. Optionally, combining the one or more additives with water can include heating the combination to a temperature of, for example, about 60°C to about 80°C to achieve dissolution of the additives. Additional additives, such as sweeteners, humectants, colorants, etc., can be added at this stage, during and / or after combining the active ingredient with water.

[0264] The resulting liquid formulation may be in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion of the active ingredient.

[0265] Method for preparing tablet formulations In some embodiments, the formulation is in the form of compressed pellets or tablets. In one embodiment, the method for making pellets or tablets involves first mixing the active ingredient with a bulk filler (e.g., EMDEX®). The remaining composition ingredients (e.g., sugar alcohol and any other desired ingredients such as binders, colorants, sweeteners, flavors, etc.) are then added. Optionally, the colorant can be added to one of the composition ingredients in a separate step before mixing with the remaining composition ingredients. Mixing of the composition can be accomplished using any mixing equipment. The final composition is then compressed into pellet or tablet form using conventional tableting techniques and optionally coated. Compressed pellets of the composition can be made by compressing the composition, including any relevant formulation ingredients, into pellet form and optionally coating each pellet with an overcoat material. Exemplary compaction equipment, such as compaction molding machines, are available from Vector Corporation as Colton 2216 and Colton 2247, and from Fette Compacting as 1200i, 2200i, 3200, 2090, 3090, and 4090. Equipment for applying outer coatings to compacted pelletized compositions is available from Thomas Engineering as CompuLab 24, CompuLab 36, Accela-Cota 48, and Accela-Cota 60.

[0266] If present, the coating typically comprises a film-forming polymer such as a cellulose-based polymer, an optional plasticizer, and any flavoring, coloring, salt, sweetener, or other additive described herein. The coating composition is usually aqueous in nature and can be applied using any pellet or tablet coating technique known in the art, such as pan coating. Examples of film-forming polymers include cellulose-based polymers such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose. Examples of plasticizers include aqueous solutions or emulsions of glyceryl monostearate and triethyl citrate. Additional coatings that can be used include food-grade shellac, waxes such as carnauba wax, and combinations thereof.

[0267] Method for preparing a lozenge formulation The methods and techniques used to formulate and manufacture the lozenge formulations described herein above can vary. For example, the compositions can be prepared by any method commonly used to manufacture hard candies. For example, exemplary methods for manufacturing hard candies can be found in LFRA Ingredients Handbook, Sweeteners, edited by Janet M. Dalzell, Leatherhead Food RA (December 1996), pages 21-44, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0268] Typically, a first component mixture is prepared. The composition of the first component mixture can vary, but typically includes a sugar substitute and may contain various additional substances (e.g., sugar alcohol solution, NaCl, preservatives, additional sweeteners, water, and / or flavorings). In certain embodiments, the composition of the first component mixture includes a sugar substitute, salt, and vanillin. In other embodiments, the first mixture includes a sugar substitute and a sugar alcohol solution. Typically, the first component mixture does not contain an active ingredient, but in some embodiments, an active ingredient may be incorporated into the first component mixture.

[0269] The first component mixture is heated until melted, and then the mixture is heated to or past the hard crack stage. In confectionery, the hard crack stage is defined as the temperature at which a string-like strip of the heated mixture (obtained by pulling a cooled molasses sample between the thumb and index finger) becomes brittle or the molasses cracks when attempted to be molded. According to the present method, the temperature at which the hard crack stage is achieved may vary depending on the specific composition of the formulation mixture, but is generally between about 145°C and about 170°C. Typically, the mixture is not heated above about 171°C, the temperature at which caramelization begins to occur. In the method of the present disclosure, the mixture is typically cooled after being heated to or above the hard crack stage temperature. Heating can be performed at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum. Typically, the method of the present invention is performed at atmospheric pressure.

[0270] In one exemplary embodiment, the first component mixture includes a high percentage of isomalt, and the mixture is heated to about 143° C. Once all of the components have dissolved, the temperature is raised beyond the hard crack stage (e.g., to about 166° C.). After the mixture is heated to this temperature, heating is terminated and the mixture is allowed to cool.

[0271] In certain embodiments, the active ingredient(s) and optionally additional ingredients (e.g., additional sweeteners, fillers, flavors, and water) are individually combined in a second mixture. The second mixture is typically added to the first component mixture after the first component mixture has finished heating. In some embodiments, the addition of the second mixture may occur only after the heated first component mixture has cooled to a predetermined temperature (e.g., to about 132°C in certain embodiments). In certain embodiments, one or more flavors are added to the second mixture just before adding the second mixture to the heated first component mixture. Certain flavors are volatile, and therefore are preferably added after the mixture has cooled to a certain extent. The combined mixture is then formed into a desired shape. In certain embodiments, the mixture is poured directly into a mold, formed (e.g., rolled or pressed) into a desired shape, or extruded. If desired, the mixture can be extruded or injection molded. In certain embodiments, the mixture is formed into a mold of the desired shape or extruded in a closed system that requires low temperatures and can limit evaporation of certain mixture components. For example, such a system can limit evaporation of volatile ingredients, including, but not limited to, flavorings. Other methods of making lozenges are also intended to be encompassed herein.

[0272] Typical conditions associated with the manufacture of food-grade lozenge formulations as described herein include control of heat and temperature (i.e., the degree of heat to which the various ingredients are exposed during manufacture and the temperature of the manufacturing environment), moisture content (e.g., the degree of moisture present in the individual ingredients and in the final composition), humidity of the manufacturing environment, atmospheric control (e.g., nitrogen atmosphere), airflow experienced by the various ingredients during the manufacturing process, and other similar factors. Additionally, the various process steps involved in manufacturing the formulation may include selection of specific solvents and processing aids, use of heat and radiation, refrigeration and cryogenic conditions, ingredient mixing speed, etc. Manufacturing conditions can also be controlled by selection of the form (e.g., solid, liquid, or gas) of the various ingredients, the particle size or crystallinity of ingredients in solid form, the concentration of ingredients in liquid form, etc. The ingredients can be processed into the desired composition by techniques such as extrusion, compression, spraying, etc.

[0273] In certain embodiments, the lozenge formulation may be transparent or translucent. As used herein, "translucent" or "translucency" refers to a material that allows some light to pass through it diffusely. In certain embodiments, the lozenge formulations of the present disclosure may have a high degree of transparency, which may result in a material classified as "transparent" or exhibiting "transparency," which is defined as a material that allows light to pass freely through it without significant diffusion. The transparency of a lozenge formulation is in contrast to opacity, which refers to a material that cannot transmit light, and which exhibits some degree of translucency.

[0274] Transparency / translucency can be measured by any technique commonly used in the art, but is typically measured by spectrophotometric light transmittance over a wavelength range (e.g., about 400-700 nm). Optical techniques, such as turbidity (or scattered light measurement) and colorimetry, can also be used to quantify the turbidity (light scattering) and color (light absorption), respectively, of the lozenge formulations provided herein. Translucency can also be confirmed by visual inspection by simply holding a material (e.g., an extract) or formulation level with a light source and determining whether light diffusely passes through the formulation.

[0275] Method for preparing melt-type formulations In some embodiments, the formulation is in a meltable form. To prepare a meltable formulation, the lipid is typically heated to just above its melting temperature so that the lipid is liquefied. Optionally, active ingredients, flavorings, and / or lecithin can be added to the liquefied lipid at this stage. All or part of the liquefied lipid can then be blended into the dry blend and mixed until the product reaches the desired homogeneity or until the desired texture characteristics are achieved. The mixture is milled (e.g., in a dry roll mill) until the particle size is less than about 20 microns. The milled isomalt-palm oil mixture is combined with any remaining lipid, and the dry ingredients and flavorings are mixed. The base is generally heated until a flowable consistency is achieved.

[0276] In some embodiments, a sugar alcohol (eg, isomalt) is added to a mixer bowl, and a portion of the total lipid (eg, melted palm oil) is added along with salt and an emulsifier.

[0277] Additional lipid is added with mixing until a cohesive clump forms. The clumped mixture is divided and transferred to a three-roll mill and processed to a particle size of less than 50 microns, or about 20 microns. The adjusted mixture is transferred to a mixer bowl and the remaining lipid is added with mixing. The mixture is warmed as needed to maintain fluidity.

[0278] The sweetener, flavoring, and active ingredient are added while mixing. Mixing is continued until a homogeneous composition is obtained. The mixture is allowed to stand for a period of time, for example, about 10-15 minutes. The composition can be divided into individual portions, for example, by pouring the composition into a sheet-like structure, cooling, and cutting the structure into individual portions, or by filling the composition into a mold and allowing it to cool. The mold can be starch or non-starch. In certain embodiments, the mold is non-starch.

[0279] The molten composition may be held in a mold (starch or non-starch) for a predetermined time, for example, about 1 to about 15 minutes, to cool and solidify the molten composition. Optionally, the mold containing the melt may be cooled by refrigeration to accelerate solidification.

[0280] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, rather than using a mold to prepare the melt-type formulation, an extrusion process can be used in which the final melt-type formulation is extruded. In some examples, a melt composition in slurry form can be formed into a sheet and dried, for example, to a moisture content of about 15% to about 25% by weight of water, to form a sticky or other paste-like material in a physically manageable form. The paste-like material can then be chopped or otherwise cut into small pieces, for example, using a mixer. The chopped material can then be extruded in an extrusion device into any desired shape / size, including shapes that may be difficult or impossible to achieve with a mold. In some examples, the extruded product can then be dried to achieve the desired moisture content. A similar process is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,617 to Smylie et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additionally, the melt composition can be subjected to a coextrusion process with another composition.

[0281] For example, shapes such as rods and cubes can be formed by first extruding the material through a die having the desired cross-section (e.g., circular or square), and then optionally cutting the extruded material to the desired length. Techniques and equipment for extruding tobacco feedstock are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,098,492 to Wursburg, U.S. Patent No. 4,874,000 to Tamol et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,880,018 to Graves et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,989,620 to Keritsis et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,072,744 to Luke et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,829,453 to White et al., and U.S. Patent No. 6,182,670 to White et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary extrusion equipment suitable for use includes a food or gum extruder, or an industrial pasta extruder such as the Model TP200 / 300 available from Emiliomiti, LLC, Italy. In some instances, it may be possible to accomplish multiple steps of the methods described herein in a single machine, such as, for example, a kneading apparatus available from Buss AG.

[0282] While the above description focuses on a uniform composition throughout each dosage unit, a product can also be formed from multiple different formulations with different properties within the same dosage unit. For example, two different compositions can be filled into a single mold to produce a layered dosage form. Furthermore, two different compositions can be co-extruded to form a dosage form with different cross-sectional properties. Such a method can be used to provide a dosage form with two different compositions characterized by different dissolution rates, such that one portion of the dosage form dissolves at a first rate (e.g., a faster rate) and the second portion dissolves at a second, slower rate.

[0283] Method for preparing pouch-packaged oral preparations When the formulation is in the form of a pouch-packaged oral formulation, the method comprises: (a) combining active ingredients; (b) contacting the combination of active ingredients with at least one filler to obtain an oral dosage form.

[0284] The combination of active ingredients may be as described herein above. The combination of active ingredients may also be as described below in relation to "Further Broad Embodiments."

[0285] In some embodiments, step (b) comprises mixing the active ingredient combination with at least one filler. In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination is in solid form (e.g., powder form). The active ingredient combination may be mixed directly with the filler to obtain an oral formulation. In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination may be dissolved in a hydrophilic solvent (e.g., water and / or alcohol) before contacting with the filler. For example, the active ingredient combination may be dissolved in water or alcohol (e.g., ethanol or propylene glycol) before mixing with the filler. In such embodiments, the method may comprise a step of drying the product to remove the solvent. For example, the product can be dried by heating, freeze-drying, spray-drying, or simply by leaving the product at room temperature for a period of time. Preferably, the drying step comprises leaving the product at room temperature for 1 hour to 48 hours to remove the solvent.

[0286] The method may then further comprise the step of pouching the oral formulation using a pouch material as described herein above.

[0287] use According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided use of a combination of active ingredients for increasing alertness and / or energy levels in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and (iii) taurine.

[0288] According to other embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of a combination of active ingredients for increasing alertness and / or energy levels in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine.

[0289] In some embodiments, the use includes increasing or enhancing the energy level of a subject to which the combination of active ingredients is administered. The use may include increasing the alertness of the subject. Additionally or alternatively, the use may include improving the ability to concentrate and / or enhancing cognitive function in the subject.

[0290] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a use of a combination of active ingredients for enhancing cognitive function in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and (iii) taurine.

[0291] According to other embodiments described herein, there is provided the use of a combination of active ingredients for enhancing cognitive function in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine.

[0292] In some embodiments, the combination of active ingredients is as defined hereinabove. In such embodiments, the combination may further comprise any of the additional active ingredients described hereinabove. For example, the combination of active ingredients may further comprise vitamin C and / or ginseng. The combination of active ingredients may particularly further comprise ginseng.

[0293] Alternatively, the combination of active ingredients may be as described below in any of the "further broad aspects." For example, the combination of active ingredients may include (i) caffeine, (ii) ginseng, and (iii) taurine. Alternatively, or in addition, the combination of active ingredients may include (i) caffeine and (ii) taurine, where the caffeine and taurine are present in a weight ratio of about 1:1, and the combination of active ingredients further includes one or more of (iii) at least one B vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12, or (iv) ginseng.

[0294] Alternatively or additionally, the combination of active ingredients may include (i) caffeine, (ii) a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12, and (iii) ginseng.Alternatively or additionally, the combination of active ingredients may include (i) caffeine, (ii) at least one B vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12, (iii) taurine, and (iv) vitamin C.

[0295] The combination of active ingredients may provide improved effectiveness in increasing the mental focus of the consumer compared to previously known formulations. The inventors have found that the specific combination of active ingredients of the present invention may improve attention, increase physical and / or mental energy levels, and enhance cognitive benefits such as reaction time and reduced fatigue during cognitive tasks.

[0296] Further broad aspects According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) ginseng; and (iii) taurine.

[0297] The amounts of caffeine, taurine, and ginseng (and any other active ingredients and / or additives) described hereinabove with respect to the first aspect are equally applicable to such embodiments including (i) caffeine, (ii) ginseng, and (iii) taurine, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. All amounts and combinations described hereinabove apply equally to this embodiment, in which the inclusion of a B vitamin combination is not required.

[0298] In some preferred embodiments, the oral formulation comprising (i) caffeine, (ii) ginseng, and (iii) taurine is a liquid oral dosage form.

[0299] In some embodiments, the active ingredient combination includes: (i) caffeine in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation; (ii) ginseng in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation; and (iii) taurine in an amount of from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

[0300] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises: A combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) ginseng; and (iii) taurine, The weight ratio of caffeine to taurine is about 5:1 to about 1:1, The weight ratio of caffeine to ginseng is about 2:1 to about 1:1. It contains a combination of active ingredients, with the weight ratio of taurine to ginseng being about 2:1 to about 1:4. Preferably, the weight ratio of caffeine to taurine is about 1:1.

[0301] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises: A combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) ginseng; and (iii) taurine, It contains a combination of active ingredients, caffeine and taurine, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1.

[0302] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises: A combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) ginseng; and (iii) taurine, It contains a combination of active ingredients, caffeine and taurine, in a weight ratio of approximately 4:1.

[0303] In some embodiments, the oral formulation comprises: 1. A liquid oral dosage form comprising a combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) ginseng; and (iii) taurine, The liquid oral dosage form has a weight ratio of caffeine to taurine of about 1:1 to about 4:1.

[0304] In some embodiments, the oral formulation is a liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL), and the liquid oral dosage form is (i) about 50 mg to about 500 mg of caffeine; (ii) about 10 mg to about 300 mg of ginseng; (iii) about 1 mg to about 500 mg of taurine.

[0305] In some embodiments, the oral formulation is a liquid oral dosage form (e.g., in the form of a shot having a volume of 50 mL to 100 mL), and the liquid oral dosage form is (i) about 100 mg to about 200 mg of caffeine; (ii) about 50 mg to about 200 mg of ginseng; (iii) about 20 mg to about 200 mg of taurine.

[0306] In any of the above embodiments, the oral formulation may further comprise an additional active ingredient as described herein above with respect to the first aspect. In particular, the oral formulation may further comprise at least one B vitamin and / or vitamin C. The ranges and combinations of these additional active ingredients described herein above apply equally to these embodiments. In some preferred embodiments, the oral formulation may further comprise at least one B vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the oral formulation may comprise a combination of at least vitamins B6, B9, and B12. Suitable ranges of amounts for these B vitamins are as described above.

[0307] The methods and uses described herein above are also equally applicable to the above embodiments in which the combination of active ingredients comprises (i) caffeine, (ii) ginseng, and (iii) taurine.

[0308] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an oral formulation in liquid form comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine, (ii) a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) providing an oral preparation in liquid form, comprising ginseng;

[0309] All active ingredient and / or additive amounts described herein above with respect to the first aspect are equally applicable to such embodiments and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0310] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) at least one B vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) taurine; and (iv) vitamin C.

[0311] The amounts of caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, and vitamin C (and any other active ingredients and / or additives) described herein above with respect to the first aspect are equally applicable to such embodiments and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0312] The methods and uses described herein above are equally applicable to the above embodiments.

[0313] All previously disclosed embodiments apply to these aspects as evidenced by the appended claims.

[0314] Example Aspects of the present invention will be more fully described by the following examples, which are set forth to illustrate particular aspects of the invention and are not to be construed as limitations thereof.

[0315] Example 1 - Liquid Dosage Form An oral formulation in liquid form is prepared containing the following ingredients:

[0316] [Table 1]

[0317] The oral formulation has a volume of 60 mL per serving.

[0318] The oral formulation is prepared by adding xanthan gum and citric acid to water under stirring and heating the mixture to a temperature of 60-80°C. Once the xanthan gum and citric acid are dissolved, the mixture is cooled to ambient temperature. All remaining ingredients are then added and the resulting mixture is stirred until a uniform dispersion or clear solution is obtained. The formulation is then packaged in bottles with each serving containing 60 mL of liquid.

[0319] Example 2-4: Liquid Dosage Form Containing Caffeine and Taurine in a 1:1 Ratio An oral formulation in liquid form is prepared containing the following ingredients: ·water Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12 Guarana extract (contains caffeine) - 0.6% by weight Taurine Vitamin C Ginseng extract - 0.1% by weight Citric acid Sucralose Gum arabic Thickener (xanthan gum) ·Fragrance Potassium sorbate

[0320] The amount of caffeine is approximately 120 mg, the amount of taurine is approximately 30 mg per serving, the amount of vitamin B6 is approximately 1.6 mg, and the amount of vitamin B12 is approximately 2 μg per serving. The oral formulation has a volume of 60 mL per serving.

[0321] Oral formulations are prepared as described in Example 1.

[0322] Example 3 - Liquid Dosage Form An oral formulation in liquid form is prepared containing the following ingredients: ·water Vitamin B1 (as thiamine mononitrate) - 0.9 mg Vitamin B2 - 0.98mg Vitamin B3 (as niacinamide) - 12mg Vitamin B5 (as calcium pantothenate) - 2.52 mg Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) - 1.7 mg Vitamin B7 - 15.1 μg Vitamin B9 - 340 μg Vitamin B12 - 2.4 μg Caffeine (green tea extract) - 200mg Taurine Vitamin C - 90mg Ginseng root extract Citric acid Sucralose Gum arabic Xanthan gum ·Fragrance Potassium sorbate

[0323] The total combination of caffeine, taurine, and ginseng is present in an amount of 520 mg. The oral formulation has a volume of 60 mL per serving.

[0324] Oral formulations are prepared as described in Example 1.

[0325] Example 4 - Consumer Test Results A study was conducted comparing the formulation prepared in Example 3 to a placebo (Kool-Aid). A blinded study was conducted in which one group of subjects received the shot of Example 3 and the other group received Kool-Aid. Participants completed a cognitively demanding task immediately after ingestion and were assessed for up to 90 minutes after ingestion to assess the following:

[0326] The following elements were evaluated: Cognitive accuracy - Participants were tested using the Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVIP), the most demanding test in the cognitive function test battery. For RVIP, the formulation of Example 3 demonstrated a significant effect compared to placebo, maintaining cognitive accuracy (RVIP accuracy) during the demanding task for up to 1.5 hours after ingestion. Mental arithmetic - Mental arithmetic was assessed by timed, scored, three-step serial subtraction. The oral formulation of Example 3 demonstrated significant efficacy compared to placebo and demonstrated high efficacy over time (40-90 minutes after ingestion) on a high-stress test battery. Attention - Subjective effects were measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) (a linear scale from 0 to 100, from "least attentive" to "most attentive"). Subjective attention with the oral formulation of Example 3 was significantly higher than with placebo and was maintained for 40 to 90 minutes after ingestion. Physical energy - Subjective effects were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) (a linear scale from 0 to 100, ranging from "lowest physical energy" to "highest physical energy"). Subjective physical energy was significantly higher for the oral formulation of Example 3 than for the placebo, and was maintained for 40 to 90 minutes after ingestion. Mental fatigue - participants completed a cognitively demanding task designed to induce fatigue. Self-reported fatigue was less in participants taking the oral formulation of Example 3 (main effect on the Profile of Mood States (POMS)). The oral formulation of Example 3 was shown to limit fatigue compared to placebo over the 90-minute period of the study (change in VAS scores over time).

[0327] The test results are shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0328] Example 5 The formulation prepared in Example 3 was tested in comparison with the following: Placebo-Kool-Aid Commercially available 5-Hour Energy (berry flavor)

[0329] The following elements were evaluated:

[0330] [Table 2]

[0331] Study participants were considered healthy adults aged 18-30 years. Participants abstained from physical activity and caffeine for 10 hours prior to testing and from any food or drink for 1 hour prior to testing. A battery of cognitive tests was administered prior to administration of either formulation (7X VAS / POMS / Check all that apply (CATA), Numeric Working Memory (NWM), Corsi Block Task, RVIP, 7-step serial subtraction, and 3-step serial subtraction). Each participant then ingested one of the oral formulations. Formulations were tested blinded. Approximately 30 minutes after ingestion, participants completed the same cognitive test battery, administered multiple times over a maximum of 90 minutes following ingestion.

[0332] Cognitive accuracy, serial subtraction by 3 (number of correct answers), attention, physical energy, and mental fatigue were measured using tests similar to those described above for Example 4. The following results were found: Cognitive Accuracy - For the main effect of RVIP accuracy, both the oral formulation of Example 3 and the 5-hour energy formulation demonstrated significant benefits compared to placebo, maintaining cognitive accuracy for up to 90 minutes after ingestion. Participants were tested using the Visual Rapid Processing Test (RVIP), the most demanding test in the cognitive function test battery. As shown in Figure 6, Example 3 resulted in higher cognitive accuracy compared to the 5-hour energy formulation. Mental arithmetic (sequential subtraction by 3) - The oral formulation of Example 3 demonstrated significant benefits compared to both placebo and 5-hour energy, demonstrating a high efficacy over time on a high-stress test battery. Attention (measured by VAS) - The highest subjective attention was reported for the formulation of Example 3. Physical Energy (measured by VAS) - The highest subjective physical energy was reported for the formulation of Example 3.

[0333] The test results are shown in FIGS.

[0334] Example 6 - Liquid Dosage Form An oral formulation in liquid form is prepared containing the following ingredients: ·water Vitamin B1 (as thiamine mononitrate) - 0.9 mg Vitamin B2 - 0.98mg Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) - 1.6 mg Vitamin B7 - 15.1 μg Caffeine - 120mg Taurine Vitamin C - 24mg Ginseng root extract Acidifier ·sweetener Thickener ·Fragrance Preservatives

[0335] The total combination of caffeine, taurine, and ginseng is present in an amount of 290 mg. The oral formulation has a volume of 60 mL per serving.

[0336] Oral formulations are prepared as described in Example 1.

[0337] Example 7 - Liquid Dosage Form An oral formulation in liquid form is prepared containing the following ingredients: ·water Vitamin B1 (as thiamine mononitrate) - 0.9 mg Vitamin B2 - 0.98mg Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) - 12mg Vitamin B5 (as calcium pantothenate) - 2.52 mg Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) - 1.7mg Vitamin B7 - 15.1 μg Vitamin B9 - 200μg Vitamin B12 - 2.4 μg Caffeine (green tea extract) - 200mg Taurine Vitamin C - 90mg Ginseng root extract Acidifier ·sweetener Thickener ·Fragrance Preservatives

[0338] The total combination of caffeine, taurine, and ginseng is present in an amount of 520 mg. The oral formulation has a volume of 60 mL per serving.

[0339] Oral formulations are prepared as described in Example 1.

[0340] Example 8 - Further Consumer Test Results A study was conducted comparing the formulation prepared in Example 7 with a placebo (a base containing no active ingredient). A blinded study was conducted, with one group of subjects receiving the shot of Example 7 and the other receiving the base containing no active ingredient. Participants completed a cognitively demanding task and a self-administered psychological assessment at various time points after receiving the formulation.

[0341] The cognitive test battery, administered by the computerized mental performance assessment system (COMPASS), included numerical working memory (NWM), rapid visual processing (RVIP), serial subtraction by 7, serial subtraction by 3, and the Corsi block task, each of which assesses different aspects of cognitive function, such as working memory, executive function, and sustained attention.

[0342] Self-administered assessments administered on CompuSense (web-based software for consumer and sensory testing provided by CompuSense Inc.) included the Profile of Mood States (POMS), CATA (select all that apply) questionnaire, self-assessment manikin (SAM), and visual analog scales (VAS, assessing mental focus, distractibility, attention, boredom, physical restlessness, relaxation, stimulation, and concentration), all of which are validated self-administered questionnaires used to measure mood and emotions.

[0343] The Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) was used to assess the study population and for cross-referencing to other study populations. The QOLS is also a validated self-administered questionnaire used to measure anxiety in adults.

[0344] End-of-study interviews were used for qualitative assessment.

[0345] (a) Cognitive function The participants were tested for cognitive accuracy using the Visual Rapid Processing Test (RVIP), the most demanding test in the cognitive function test battery. For RVIP, the formulation of Example 7 demonstrated a significant effect compared to placebo, demonstrating that cognitive accuracy (RVIP accuracy) during the high-demand task was maintained for up to 90 minutes after ingestion. Significant changes were observed compared to placebo at 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 minutes after ingestion (this is indicated by * in Figure 10).

[0346] The following cognitive function factors were also assessed: Memory Recall—Memory recall was tested using the NWM of the COMPASS, and by this measure, the formulation of Example 7 was shown to achieve a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in cognitive function compared to placebo (as shown in FIG. 11). Mental arithmetic - assessed by timed, scored, three-step serial subtraction. By this measure, the oral formulation of Example 7 achieved a statistically significant (p=0.026) increase in cognitive function compared to placebo (shown in Figure 12). Cognitive accuracy - assessed using RVIP, which showed that the formulation of Example 7 achieved a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in cognitive function compared to placebo (as shown in Figure 13). Mental processing - assessed using RVIP, which showed that the formulation of Example 7 achieved a statistically significant (p=0.037) increase in cognitive function compared to placebo (shown in Figure 14). Mental arithmetic was assessed by timed, scored, seven-step serial subtraction. By this measure, the oral formulation of Example 7 achieved a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in cognitive function compared to placebo (as shown in Figure 15).

[0347] Based on the above measurements, the z-score of global cognitive function was calculated. The z-score is a standard score that indicates how many standard deviations each individual value is from the mean, allowing for comparison of scores across different tests. First, the z-score was calculated based on the unadjusted raw data of each test. Then, each z-score was combined (e.g., RVIP, 3-step consecutive subtraction, and 7-step consecutive subtraction). Finally, the score at each time point was calculated and corrected by subtracting the baseline value. The oral formulation of Example 7 achieved a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in global cognitive function compared to placebo (as shown in Figure 16).

[0348] Additionally, the formulation of Example 7 was found to have a significant effect on mental arithmetic compared to placebo, maintaining performance for up to 90 minutes after ingestion, as measured by consecutive subtractions of 3 (see Figure 17) and 7 (see Figure 18). Statistically significant changes compared to placebo are indicated by * in Figures 17 and 18.

[0349] (b) subjective mood state The following elements were evaluated: Attention - Consumers were tested using a VAS. This measure showed that the oral formulation of Example 7 achieved a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in performance compared to placebo. This is shown in Figure 19. Physical Energy - Consumers were tested using a VAS. This measure demonstrated that the oral formulation of Example 7 achieved a statistically significant (p=0.001) increase in performance compared to placebo, based on the average score determined at all time points from 40 to 90 minutes after consumption. This is shown in Figure 20. Fatigue reduction - Consumers were tested using a VAS, which showed that the oral formulation of Example 7 achieved a statistically significant (p=0.001) increase in performance compared to placebo, as shown in Figure 21. Irritation - Consumers were tested using a VAS. Based on the average score determined at all time points from 40 to 90 minutes after ingestion, the oral formulation of Example 7 achieved a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in performance compared to placebo by this measure. This is shown in Figure 22. Energy - Energy loss was tested using a VAS. This measure showed that the oral formulation of Example 7 achieved a statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in performance compared to placebo (i.e., less energy loss compared to placebo), as shown in Figure 23.

[0350] The effect of the oral formulation of Example 7 was also observed to persist for up to 90 minutes after ingestion. This effect is shown in Figure 24 as the change over time in subjective alertness and in Figure 25 as the change over time in subjective physical energy, both measured by VAS. Statistically significant changes compared to placebo are indicated by an * in Figures 24 and 25.

[0351] Study participants (n = 37 across all groups) were considered healthy adults aged 19-30 years. Participants completed a week of familiarization with the cognitive function test battery and abstained from physical activity and caffeine intake for 10 hours before the baseline assessment, and from food and drink for 1 hour before testing.

[0352] A cognitive function test battery (VAS, POMS, CATA, NWM, Corsi block task, RVIP, 7-point serial subtraction, 3-point serial subtraction) was administered before administration of either formulation. These tests served as the cognitive function test battery used for baseline assessment.

[0353] Each participant received an oral formulation as specified. The formulations were tested under double-blind conditions. Approximately 30 minutes after ingestion, participants completed the same cognitive function and mood assessment battery. These tests were repeated at 10-minute intervals.

[0354] The test results are shown in FIGS.

[0355] This study shows how the oral formulation of the present invention improves performance in multiple cognitive domains compared to placebo, namely, increasing memory recall speed, improving cognitive accuracy, increasing mental processing, and improving mental arithmetic.Compared to placebo, statistically significant improvements were also observed in multiple subjective effects, including improved attention, increased physical energy, reduced fatigue, and increased stimulation.Qualitative interviews conducted after the study confirmed the quantitative measurement results.

[0356] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

[0357] Numbered clauses 1. An oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination comprising: (i) caffeine, (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) taurine. 2. (ii) The oral formulation of clause 1, wherein the B vitamin combination further comprises one or more of vitamin B1, vitamin B5, or vitamin B7. 3. (ii) The oral formulation of clause 1 or 2, wherein the combination of B vitamins comprises a combination of vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7. 4. The oral formulation according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the total amount of B vitamins contained in the combination is from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation. 5. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein caffeine is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. 6. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1-5, wherein taurine is present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. 7. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the caffeine and taurine are present in a weight ratio of about 5:1 to about 1:1. 8. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the caffeine and taurine are present in a weight ratio of about 1:1. 9. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the total amount of caffeine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 15:1. 10. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the total amount of taurine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 10:1 to about 1:2. 11. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1-10, wherein the combination of active ingredients further comprises (iv) vitamin C, optionally wherein the vitamin C is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. 12. The oral formulation of clause 11, wherein the total amount of vitamin C and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 20:1. 13. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1-12, wherein the combination of active ingredients further comprises (v) ginseng, optionally present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. 14. The oral formulation according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the combination of active ingredients further comprises (vi) vitamin D. 15. The oral formulation according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the oral formulation comprises the combination of active ingredients in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation. 16. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1 to 15, further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of flavorings, sweeteners, acidifying agents, thickeners, fillers, binders, humectants, preservatives, and mixtures thereof. 17. The oral formulation according to clause 16, wherein the oral formulation comprises an acidifying agent. 18. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1-17, wherein the oral formulation further comprises zinc or zinc gluconate, optionally wherein the zinc or zinc gluconate is present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation. 19. The oral formulation according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the oral formulation is an oral dosage form in the form of a solid, gel, or liquid. 20. The oral formulation according to any one of clauses 1 to 19, wherein the oral formulation is in the form of a loose powder, a troche, a tablet, a film, or a drink. 21. The oral formulation according to any one of clauses 1 to 20, wherein the oral formulation is in liquid dosage form. 22. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 1-21, wherein the liquid oral dosage form has a liquid volume of about 1 mL to about 200 mL, optionally wherein the liquid oral dosage form has a liquid volume of about 50 mL to about 100 mL. 23. The combination of active ingredients is (i) caffeine, (ii) a combination of at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) taurine, (iv) Vitamin C; (v) an oral formulation according to clause 21 or 22, comprising ginseng. 24. The oral formulation of any one of clauses 21-23, wherein the oral formulation further comprises water in an amount of about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of the oral formulation. 25. The oral formulation according to any one of clauses 21 to 24, wherein the oral formulation comprises the combination of active ingredients in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation, and wherein the oral formulation comprises water in an amount of about 90% to about 99.5% by weight of the oral formulation. 26. The liquid dosage form is (i) about 50 mg to about 500 mg of caffeine; (ii) about 1 mg to about 100 mg of a B vitamin combination, the combination including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) about 1 mg to about 500 mg of taurine. 27. In liquid dosage forms: (iv) about 50 mg to about 500 mg of vitamin C and / or (v) the oral formulation of clause 27, further comprising about 10 mg to about 300 mg of ginseng. 28. A method for preparing an oral dosage form as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 28, comprising: (a) combining active ingredients, the active ingredients including: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and (iii) taurine; (b) contacting the active ingredient with water; (c) mixing the active ingredient with water to prepare an oral formulation. 29. Use of a combination of active ingredients for increasing alertness and / or energy levels in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and (iii) taurine. 30. An oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination comprising: (i) caffeine, (ii) ginseng, (iii) taurine. 31. An oral preparation in liquid form containing a combination of active ingredients, the combination of active ingredients being: (i) caffeine, (ii) a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) An oral formulation in liquid form comprising ginseng. 32. An oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, the combination of active ingredients being: (i) caffeine, (ii) at least one B vitamin selected from the group consisting of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; (iii) taurine, (iv) Vitamin C.

Claims

1. 1. An oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, said combination comprising: (i) caffeine, and (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; (iii) taurine.

2. 2. The oral formulation of claim 1, wherein the (ii) combination of B vitamins further comprises one or more of vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B9, or vitamin B12.

3. 3. The oral formulation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the (ii) combination of B vitamins consists essentially of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7, preferably the (ii) combination of B vitamins consists of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7.

4. 4. The oral formulation according to claim 1, wherein the total amount of B vitamins contained in the combination is from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

5. 5. The oral dosage form of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the caffeine is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral dosage form.

6. 6. The oral dosage form of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the taurine is present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the oral dosage form.

7. 7. The oral formulation of claim 1, wherein the caffeine and the taurine are present in a weight ratio of about 5:1 to about 1:

1.

8. 8. The oral formulation of claim 1, wherein the caffeine and the taurine are present in a weight ratio of about 1:

1.

9. 9. The oral formulation of claim 1, wherein the total amount of caffeine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 30:

1.

10. 10. The oral formulation of claim 1, wherein the total amount of taurine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 10:1 to about 1:

2.

11. 11. The oral formulation of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the combination of active ingredients further comprises (iv) vitamin C, optionally wherein the vitamin C is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

12. 12. The oral formulation of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the combination of active ingredients further comprises (v) ginseng, optionally present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

13. The oral formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the combination of active ingredients further comprises (vi) vitamin D.

14. 14. The oral formulation of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the oral formulation comprises the combination of active ingredients in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation.

15. 15. The oral formulation of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of flavoring agents, sweeteners, acidifying agents, thickeners, fillers, binders, humectants, preservatives, and mixtures thereof.

16. 16. The oral formulation of claim 15, wherein the oral formulation comprises an acidifying agent.

17. 17. The oral formulation of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the oral formulation further comprises zinc or zinc gluconate, optionally present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

18. 18. The oral formulation of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the oral formulation is a liquid dosage form, optionally having a liquid volume of from about 1 mL to about 200 mL, optionally having a liquid volume of from about 50 mL to about 100 mL.

19. The combination of active ingredients is (i) caffeine, and (ii) a combination of at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; (iii) taurine, and (iv) Vitamin C; and 19. The oral formulation of claim 18, comprising (v) ginseng.

20. 20. The oral formulation of claim 18 or 19, wherein the oral formulation further comprises water in an amount of about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of the oral formulation.

21. the liquid dosage form comprising: (i) about 50 mg to about 500 mg of caffeine; (ii) about 1 mg to about 100 mg of a combination of B vitamins, said combination including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) about 1 mg to about 500 mg of taurine, optionally wherein the liquid dosage form (iv) about 10 mg to about 500 mg of vitamin C, and / or 21. The oral formulation of any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising (v) about 10 mg to about 300 mg of ginseng.

22. A method for preparing the oral formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising the steps of: (a) combining active ingredients, the active ingredients including: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine; (b) contacting the active ingredient with water; (c) mixing the active ingredient with water to prepare an oral formulation.

23. 1. Use of a combination of active ingredients for increasing alertness and / or energy levels in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine.

24. 1. An oral formulation comprising a combination of active ingredients, said combination comprising: (i) caffeine, and (ii) ginseng, (iii) taurine, optionally wherein the weight ratio of the caffeine to the ginseng is 1:5 to 5:

1.

25. 25. The oral dosage form of claim 24, wherein the caffeine is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral dosage form.

26. 26. The oral dosage form of claim 24 or 25, wherein the taurine is present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 5% by weight of the oral dosage form.

27. 27. The oral formulation of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the caffeine and the taurine are present in a weight ratio of about 5:1 to about 1:

1.

28. 28. The oral formulation of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the combination of active ingredients further comprises (iv) vitamin C, optionally wherein the vitamin C is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

29. 29. The oral formulation of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the ginseng is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

30. 30. The oral formulation of any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the oral formulation comprises the combination of active ingredients in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation.

31. 31. The oral formulation of any one of claims 24 to 30, further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of flavoring agents, sweeteners, acidifying agents, thickeners, fillers, binders, humectants, preservatives, and mixtures thereof.

32. 32. The oral formulation of claim 31, wherein the oral formulation comprises an acidifying agent.

33. 33. The oral formulation of any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein the oral formulation is a liquid dosage form, optionally having a liquid volume of from about 1 mL to about 200 mL, optionally having a liquid volume of from about 50 mL to about 100 mL.

34. 34. The oral formulation of any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein the oral formulation further comprises water in an amount of about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of the oral formulation.

35. the liquid dosage form comprising: (i) about 50 mg to about 500 mg of caffeine; (ii) about 1 mg to about 500 mg of taurine; and (iii) about 10 mg to about 300 mg of ginseng; and optionally, the liquid dosage form comprises (iv) about 10 mg to about 500 mg of vitamin C 35. The oral formulation of claim 33 or 34, further comprising:

36. A method for preparing the oral formulation according to any one of claims 24 to 35, comprising the steps of: (a) combining active ingredients, the active ingredients including (i) caffeine, (ii) taurine, and (iii) ginseng; (b) contacting the active ingredient with water; (c) mixing the active ingredient with water to prepare an oral formulation.

37. 1. Use of a combination of active ingredients for increasing alertness and / or energy levels in a human or animal, said combination of active ingredients comprising (i) caffeine, (ii) taurine, and (iii) ginseng.

38. 1. An oral formulation in liquid form comprising a combination of active ingredients, said combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine, and (ii) a combination of B vitamins including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; (iii) ginseng, optionally in a weight ratio of the caffeine to the ginseng of 1:5 to 5:

1.

39. 40. The oral formulation of claim 39, wherein the (ii) combination of B vitamins further comprises one or more of vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B9, or vitamin B12.

40. 40. The oral formulation of claim 38 or 39, wherein the (ii) combination of B vitamins consists essentially of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7, preferably the (ii) combination of B vitamins consists of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7.

41. 41. The oral formulation of any one of claims 38 to 40, wherein the total amount of B vitamins in the combination is from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the oral formulation.

42. 42. The oral dosage form of any one of claims 38-41, wherein the caffeine is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral dosage form.

43. 43. The oral formulation of any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the total amount of caffeine and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 30:

1.

44. 44. The oral formulation of any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the total amount of ginseng and B vitamins is present in a weight ratio of about 1:1 to about 30:

1.

45. 45. The oral formulation of any one of claims 38-44, wherein the combination of active ingredients further comprises (iv) vitamin C, optionally wherein the vitamin C is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the oral formulation.

46. 46. ​​The oral formulation of any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein the oral formulation comprises the active ingredient combination in an amount of about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the oral formulation.

47. 47. The oral formulation of any one of claims 38 to 46, further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of flavoring agents, sweeteners, acidifying agents, thickeners, fillers, binders, humectants, preservatives, and mixtures thereof.

48. 48. The oral formulation of claim 47, wherein the oral formulation comprises an acidifying agent.

49. 49. The oral formulation of any one of claims 38 to 48, wherein the oral formulation is a liquid dosage form, optionally having a liquid volume of from about 1 mL to about 200 mL, optionally having a liquid volume of from about 50 mL to about 100 mL.

50. 50. The oral formulation of any one of claims 38-49, wherein the oral formulation further comprises water in an amount of about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of the oral formulation.

51. the liquid dosage form comprising: (i) about 50 mg to about 500 mg of caffeine; (ii) about 1 mg to about 100 mg of a B vitamin combination, the combination including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; (iii) about 10 mg to about 300 mg of ginseng; and optionally, the liquid dosage form comprises: (iv) about 10 mg to about 500 mg of vitamin C.

52. A method for preparing the oral formulation of any one of claims 38 to 51, comprising the steps of: (a) combining active ingredients, the active ingredients including: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) ginseng; (b) contacting the active ingredient with water; (c) mixing the active ingredient with water to prepare an oral formulation.

53. 1. Use of a combination of active ingredients for increasing alertness and / or energy levels in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) ginseng.

54. 1. Use of a combination of active ingredients for enhancing cognitive function in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) ginseng.

55. 1. Use of a combination of active ingredients for enhancing cognitive function in a human or animal, the combination of active ingredients comprising: (i) caffeine; (ii) a combination of B vitamins including at least vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B7; and (iii) taurine.

56. 1. Use of a combination of active ingredients for enhancing cognitive function in humans or animals, said combination of active ingredients comprising (i) caffeine, (ii) taurine, and (iii) ginseng.

Images