Reconstituted plant sheets containing stabilized nicotine

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to reconstituted plant sheets containing acid-stabilized nicotine.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a non-combustion heated tobacco product, which is a device for heating tobacco without burning it, and more particularly to a reconstituted plant sheet containing a plant other than a tobacco plant and stabilized nicotine. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to avoid the generation of harmful substances when tobacco is burned, numerous non-combustion heated tobacco products have been developed, which are devices that heat tobacco without burning it. Examples of such non-combustion heated tobacco products are described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. When a tobacco stick is inserted into a non-combustion heated tobacco product, the tobacco is heated by the non-combustion heated tobacco product at a temperature lower than the combustion temperature without burning, and an aerosol is generated when the user inhales air through the non-combustion heated tobacco product. The aerosol is a substitute for tobacco smoke (mainstream smoke) and provides the user with beneficial sensory properties when inhaled. This allows the user to inhale nicotine and the tobacco aroma while significantly reducing the user's exposure to harmful substances.

[0003] For users to adopt non-combustion heated tobacco products, it is important that the smoking experience achieved by non-combustion heated tobacco products is as close as possible to that achieved by conventional cigarettes, i.e., that each puff provides satisfying sensory characteristics and a nicotine level similar to that of conventional cigarettes.

[0004] Natural tobacco leaves are not suitable for non-combustion heated tobacco products because they do not provide a satisfying smoking experience to users.

[0005] Reconstituted tobacco is suitable for non-combustion heated tobacco because high concentrations of aerosol-forming substances can be easily applied, thereby generating sufficient aerosols with satisfactory sensory properties and containing a satisfactory amount of nicotine.

[0006] It is also beneficial to provide users of non-combustion heated tobacco with a scent that is different from that of tobacco. To this end, reconstituted plant sheets have been developed, as described in Patent Document 3. Aerosols generated from such reconstituted plant sheets have satisfactory sensory properties. However, such reconstituted plant sheets do not contain nicotine. Therefore, since the aerosols generated from such reconstituted plant sheets do not provide nicotine, it has not been possible to provide users of non-combustion heated tobacco with a sufficiently satisfying smoking experience (first technical problem).

[0007] To solve the first technical problem, the inventors attempted to add a neutral form of nicotine to a reconstituted plant sheet. However, it was found that the nicotine added to the reconstituted plant sheet was released from the reconstituted plant sheet during the manufacturing and storage (mainly during storage) of the reconstituted plant sheet or a non-combustion heated tobacco consumable containing the reconstituted plant sheet. Furthermore, although the aerosol generated from such a reconstituted plant sheet contains a neutral form of nicotine, the amount of nicotine was too small, resulting in a very slow physiological absorption by the user and being unsatisfactory (second technical problem). Furthermore, the aerosol generated from such a reconstituted plant sheet had the problem of being unpleasantly irritating.

[0008] To solve the second technical problem, the present inventors have attempted to stabilize nicotine by adding an acid to form a nicotine salt. However, the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet containing the nicotine salt is still not satisfactory to users under certain circumstances for the following reasons: The amount of nicotine in the aerosol remains below the target value. The aerosol still has an unpleasant irritant effect. The aerosol has an unpleasant sour taste. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 026810 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 207407 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2019 / 043119 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a reconstituted plant sheet containing nicotine that produces an aerosol that is satisfactory to the user.

[0011] The present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by having a reconstituted plant sheet that contains a nicotine salt and has a pH within a specific range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, A reconstituted plant sheet, a fibrous support comprising plant fibers obtained from a plant other than a tobacco plant; an aerosol-generating material; a plant extract obtained from a plant other than a tobacco plant; nicotine and an organic acid or a salt of nicotine; and A reconstituted plant sheet is provided having a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0.

[0013] Advantageously, the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure having the above pH range can produce an aerosol that contains a satisfactory amount of nicotine and does not have an unpleasant irritating or sour taste, i.e., an aerosol that is satisfactory to the user.

[0014] The structural formula of nicotine contains two nitrogen atoms that can accept protons from organic acids. Therefore, nicotine can exist in a neutral form (unprotonated form), a monoprotonated form, and / or a diprotonated form. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the above advantages can be explained as follows. The predominant form of nicotine in the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is the monoprotonated form. The monoprotonated form of nicotine is obtained by the reaction of nicotine with an organic acid to form a nicotine salt. When the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is used in a non-combustible heat-not-burn tobacco product, the monoprotonated form of nicotine is efficiently released into the aerosol, providing physiological absorption properties comparable to those of conventional tobacco. In reconstituted plant sheets with a pH above 7, the proportion of neutral nicotine is increased. Because neutral nicotine is volatile, it is readily released from the reconstituted plant sheet during manufacturing and storage (mainly during storage) of such reconstituted plant sheets or non-combustible heat-not-burn consumables containing them. Furthermore, neutral nicotine is more pungent than monoprotic nicotine and is physiologically absorbed more slowly by the user. The amount of organic acids increases in reconstituted plant sheets with a pH below 4.9. Therefore, the aerosols generated from such reconstituted plant sheets have an unpleasant irritating and sour taste, which may lead to adverse physiological effects.

[0015] Furthermore, the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure has satisfactory organoleptic properties and sufficient volume due to the inclusion of the plant extract and aerosol-forming material. Advantageously, the organoleptic properties of the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure differ from the organoleptic properties of the aerosol generated from conventional reconstituted tobacco sheets.

[0016] In another aspect, according to the present disclosure, A method for producing a reconstituted plant sheet as defined above, comprising: (a) passing plant fibers through a papermaking machine to produce a substrate web; (b) plant extract; aerosol-forming substances, and preparing a solution containing nicotine and an organic acid or a salt of nicotine; (c) contacting the prepared solution with a substrate web to form a wet reconstituted plant sheet; (d) drying the wet reconstituted plant sheet to produce a reconstituted plant sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] According to the present disclosure, A reconstituted plant sheet, a fibrous support comprising plant fibers obtained from a plant other than a tobacco plant; an aerosol-generating material; a plant extract obtained from a plant other than a tobacco plant; nicotine and an organic acid or a salt of nicotine; and A reconstituted plant sheet is provided having a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0.

[0018] The pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure can be measured using the following method. Grind the reconstituted plant sheet sample to particles smaller than 1 mm. Mix 5.0±0.1 mg of the pulverized reconstituted plant sheet with 100.0±0.1 g of deionized water. The resistivity of deionized water is approximately 18.2 megaohms / cm. The above mixture is magnetically stirred in water at a temperature of 20°C for 15 minutes. Then measure the pH.

[0019] As used herein, the term "plant extract" refers to any water-soluble product of a plant. Preferably, the plant extract contains compounds that provide organoleptic properties and / or therapeutic or health benefits to the aerosol.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, organic acids are present in the plant extract contained in the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure.

[0021] The present inventors have found that the organic acids present in the plant extract can impart a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, to the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present inventors believe that the plant extract also has a buffering effect, maintaining the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0. If the plant extract cannot impart a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, to the reconstituted plant sheet, adding an organic acid to the reconstituted plant sheet can impart a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0. This is particularly true when no organic acid is present in the plant extract or when the amount of organic acid present in the plant extract is insufficient.

[0022] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, those skilled in the art typically measure the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet without the addition of an organic acid to determine whether or not an organic acid should be added to the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, if the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet without the addition of an organic acid is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly in the range of 5.0 to 6.0, the plant extract has imparted an appropriate pH to the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, if the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet without the addition of an organic acid is not in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly in the range of 5.0 to 6.0, it is necessary to add an organic acid to the reconstituted plant sheet during the manufacturing process of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure.

[0023] Examples of plants from which plant extracts can be obtained that can impart a pH in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly in the range of 5.0 to 6.0, to the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure without adding an organic acid include coffee, ginkgo, star anise, licorice, angelica, calamus (sweet flag), caper, turmeric, Chinese mahogany, sour cream (tsao guo), or any combination thereof, particularly coffee, ginkgo, star anise, licorice, or any combination thereof.

[0024] As used herein, "nicotine salt" refers to a form of nicotine characterized by the interaction between the monoprotonated form of nicotine and the carboxylate form of an organic acid. The structural formula of nicotine contains two nitrogen atoms that can accept protons from the organic acid. Thus, nicotine can exist in a neutral form (unprotonated form), a monoprotonated form, and / or a diprotonated form.

[0025] In the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure, the salt of nicotine can be formed in situ or ex situ by reacting nicotine with an organic acid. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this reaction is an equilibrium reaction. Therefore, nicotine and the organic acid can be present together with the nicotine formed in situ or ex situ.

[0026] Alternatively, a salt of nicotine may be purchased and added to the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure.

[0027] The total solid content of nicotine in the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure may be in the range of 0.1 to 4% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 3% by weight, and more preferably 0.75 to 2.5% by weight.

[0028] Advantageously, the aerosol produced from the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure containing nicotine in this range can provide a user with a smoking experience similar to that provided by aerosols produced by conventional non-combustion heated tobacco products and smoke (mainstream smoke) produced by combustible tobacco products.

[0029] The molar ratio of nicotine to organic acid in the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure may be in the range of 1:0.1 to 1:10, preferably 1:0.4 to 1:5, and more preferably 1:0.5 to 1:3.

[0030] Advantageously, a reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure having a molar ratio in such a range can have a pH in the above range.

[0031] The pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure depends on the pKa (acid dissociation constant) of the organic acid.

[0032] In general, organic acids are has a pKa of 5 or less, preferably 4 or less, more preferably 3 or less, and Vapor pressure at 25°C is 10 -10 ~20mmHg, preferably 10 -8 ~10mmHg, more preferably 10 -8 ~1mmHg range, or a boiling point above 300°C, or both.

[0033] Advantageously, organic acids having such pKa and vapor pressure and / or boiling point are In the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure, a small amount of organic acid is used to promote the formation of a salt of nicotine. limiting the migration of organic acids into the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure, thereby reducing the sour taste of the aerosol; and · Reduces the loss of organic acids during the production of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure.

[0034] An organic acid may have several pKa values. For example, a dicarboxylic acid may have two pKa values. In this case, the lowest pKa value of the organic acid may be 5 or less, preferably 4 or less, and more preferably 3 or less.

[0035] The organic acid may be alginic acid, aspartic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, glutamic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, pectinic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, myristic acid, or any combination thereof, preferably benzoic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, or any combination thereof, more preferably benzoic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0036] Advantageously, the organic acids mentioned above are primarily naturally occurring components and do not alter the organoleptic properties of the aerosol and / or provide beneficial organoleptic properties.

[0037] As used herein, the term "fibrous substrate" refers to a substrate web made from plant fibers, especially finely divided plant fibers. The substrate web is typically obtained by a papermaking process.

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" means a compound that forms an aerosol when heated.

[0039] As used herein, the term "micronized plant fiber" refers to plant fiber that has been subjected to a micronization step that allows for fibrillation and / or cutting of the plant fiber. This micronization step is traditionally performed in papermaking processes, such as those that produce reconstituted paper tobacco. However, this micronization step is not performed in processes that produce cast leaf reconstituted tobacco.

[0040] For example, the micronized plant fibers may have a beating degree (freeness) (°SR) in the range of 15 to 75°SR, preferably 20 to 65°SR, and more preferably 25 to 55°SR.

[0041] Generally, the fibrous substrate is composed of fibers from the same plant or from several different plants.

[0042] Generally, the solid content of plant fiber contained in the reconstituted plant sheet may be in the range of 15 to 70% by weight, preferably 20 to 61% by weight, and more preferably 30 to 57% by weight.

[0043] Generally, the fibrous support of the reconstituted plant sheet may comprise cellulosic plant fibers.

[0044] Cellulosic plant fibers are fibers obtained, for example, from wood pulp, hemp, or annual plants (e.g., flax) by chemical, mechanical, or thermomechanical treatment. Combinations of these cellulosic plant fibers may also be used.

[0045] Advantageously, these cellulosic plant fibers can improve the mechanical strength properties of the reconstituted plant sheet.

[0046] Generally, cellulosic plant fibers can account for 0.5 to 20% by weight, preferably 3 to 17.5% by weight, and more preferably 5 to 15% by weight of the solid content of the reconstituted plant sheet. The remaining fibers in the reconstituted plant sheet are plant fibers.

[0047] The total solids content (wt%) of the aerosol-forming material contained in the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is referred to as SAG, which may range from 10 to 40 wt%, preferably from 12 to 35 wt%, and more preferably from 15 to 30 wt%.

[0048] The SAG depends on the organic acid. For example, a SAG in the range of 15 to 20% by weight is suitable for organic acids that are soluble in solvents, especially water. A SAG in the range of 20 to 30% by weight is suitable for organic acids that are insoluble or slightly soluble in solvents, especially water.

[0049] Aerosols generated from reconstituted plant sheets having a SAG above the above ranges cause an unpleasant burning sensation in the mouth and / or throat (the so-called "hot puff" phenomenon).

[0050] Additionally, the amount of aerosol generated from a reconstituted plant sheet having a SAG below the above range is not sufficient to be perceived as pleasant, and the aerosol also has an unpleasant taste.

[0051] The aerosol generating material may be a polyol, a non-polyol, or a combination thereof. In general, a polyol aerosol generating material may be glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, or a combination thereof. A non-polyol aerosol generating material may be glyceryl diacetate, glyceryl triacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, or any combination thereof.

[0052] Preferably, the aerosol generating material is glycerol, propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol, more preferably glycerol.

[0053] Aerosols are generated by heating the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure. Advantageously, plant extracts containing aromatic compounds can provide a plant-derived aroma to the generated aerosol. Furthermore, by simply replacing the reconstituted plant sheet, users can easily change the scent of the aerosol generated by heating the reconstituted plant sheet.

[0054] The organoleptic and therapeutic properties of the aerosol produced by heating the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure depend on the total solids content of the plant extract contained in the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure.

[0055] The total solids content (wt%) of the plant extract depends on the plant used to obtain the plant extract, more particularly on the content of aromatic compounds or compounds with therapeutic properties contained in the plant used to obtain the plant extract.

[0056] The total content (wt%) of solids in the plant extract contained in the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is referred to as SP, which may be in the range of 10 to 70 wt%, preferably 15 to 50 wt%, and more preferably 20 to 35 wt%.

[0057] Advantageously, having an SP in the above range makes it possible to produce an aerosol with a comfortable resistance to drawing and with satisfactory organoleptic properties (i.e., a constant, high taste intensity and a constant, sufficient amount of aerosol).

[0058] SP can be determined using the following method. First, a sample of the reconstituted plant sheet to be measured is crushed to particles of 1 mm or less. Next, the crushed reconstituted plant sheet is mixed with boiling water for 45 minutes to extract all of the plant extract. The difference between the dry weight of the reconstituted plant sheet sample and the dry weight of the fibrous residue after extracting the plant extract is the SP.

[0059] The plant fiber and the plant extract can be obtained independently from a plant selected from spore-bearing plants, seed plants, or a combination thereof. The plant can be selected from edible plants, aromatic plants, fragrant plants, medicinal plants, plants of the Cannabis family, and any combination thereof.

[0060] If the plant is a medicinal plant, the reconstituted plant sheet can be used for treatment, as the aerosol produced by heating the reconstituted plant sheet has therapeutic properties.

[0061] Advantageously, plant extracts obtained from a combination of plants can provide a wide range of organoleptic and / or therapeutic properties, and the combination of plants can also counteract the unpleasant organoleptic properties of a particular plant in the combination, e.g., a medicinal plant, with the pleasant organoleptic properties of another plant in the combination, e.g., an aromatic or fragrant plant.

[0062] The plant fiber may be obtained from a first plant and the plant extract may be obtained from a second plant, since the fiber of one plant may not have the mechanical properties that allow it to be formed into a fibrous support, but the extract of that plant may provide the desired organoleptic properties and / or therapeutic effects to the aerosol. Conversely, the fiber of one plant may have the mechanical properties that allow it to be formed into a fibrous support, but the extract of that plant may not provide the desired organoleptic properties and / or therapeutic effects to the aerosol.

[0063] Advantageously, the combination of plants from which the plant fibres are obtained makes it possible to adjust the mechanical properties of the reconstituted plant sheet and / or the organoleptic or chemical properties of the aerosol.

[0064] Common edible plants are garlic, cardamom, coffee, ginger, lemon verbena, licorice, papaya, stevia, tea, cacao tree, chamomile, yerba mate, anise (star anise, badia, green anise, or a combination thereof), fennel, citronella, angelica, capers, turmeric, Chinese mahogany, or sou ka (tsao ko).

[0065] Typically, aromatic plants are basil, turmeric, cloves, bay laurel, oregano, mint, rosemary, sage, or thyme.

[0066] Common aromatic plants are lavender, marigold, rose, eucalyptus, and sweet flag.

[0067] Generally, medicinal plants are those listed in List A of traditionally used medicinal plants (French pharmacopeia January 2016, published by the Agence Nationale de Sécurite du Medicament (ANSM) [French National Agency for Drug and Health Product Safety]) or plants known to contain compounds with therapeutic properties. Common medicinal plants are ginkgo biloba, ginseng, sour cherry, peppermint, sweet mint, willow, and red vine.

[0068] Generally, eucalyptus is a medicinal plant known to contain compounds with therapeutic properties.

[0069] Generally, the plant fibers and plant extracts of the reconstituted plant sheets of the present disclosure can be derived from various plant parts, which can be whole plant parts or various processed plant parts. Generally, the plant parts can be whole plants or debris created by shredding, beating, or mixing plant parts. The plant parts can also be extraction by-products.

[0070] Generally, plant parts can be selected from those that are richest in aromatic compounds that provide the aerosol with sensory properties.Generally, such plant parts can be, for example, flower buds, branch bark, trunk bark, leaves, flowers, fruits or their pedicels, seeds, petals, flower heads, underground parts (for example, bulbs, roots, root bark, rhizomes), or any combination thereof, from any plant.Also, plant parts can be obtained by mechanical, chemical, or mechanochemical treatment of one or more plant parts, such as the protective shell of cocoa beans (cocoa shell) produced during the cocoa bean dehulling process.

[0071] Examples of edible plants include angelica fruit, angelica buds, angelica root, caper buds, turmeric root, turmeric stem, Chinese mahogany buds, sour cream fruit, garlic bulb, coffee cherry, star anise fruit, ginger rhizome, licorice root, stevia leaf, papaya leaf, and tea leaf.

[0072] Examples of aromatic plants include clove flower buds (cloves), basil leaves, bay leaves, sage leaves, mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme leaves or flower heads, and turmeric rhizomes.

[0073] Examples of aromatic plants include lavender flowers or flower heads, sweet flag rhizomes, and rose flower buds or petals.

[0074] For example, among medicinal plants listed in the French Pharmacopoeia, ginkgo leaves, the underground parts of ginseng, the pedicels of sour cherry fruits (sour cherry stems), peppermint leaves or flower heads, willow stem bark or leaves, or red vine leaves may be selected as plant parts.

[0075] Plants include eucalyptus, angelica, anise (star anise, badia, green anise, or a combination thereof), hemp, cardamom, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, lemon verbena, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, ham, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, yerba mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green tea or black tea), musk (thyme), cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, The active ingredient may be rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, sorrel, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, coriander, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, caraway, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, stevia, or any combination thereof.

[0076] For example, the botanical is cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, ginkgo, mint, bay laurel, lemon verbena, marigold, papaya, rosemary, sorrel, stevia, tea (such as green tea or black tea), star anise, or any combination thereof, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0077] For example, the plant may be cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, ginkgo, mint, bay laurel, lemon verbena, marigold, papaya, rosemary, sorrel, stevia, tea (such as green tea or black tea), star anise, or any combination thereof, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 5 to 6.3.

[0078] For example, the plant is cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, ginkgo, mint, bay laurel, lemon verbena, marigold, papaya, rosemary, sorrel, stevia, tea (such as green tea or black tea), star anise, or any combination thereof, the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 5 to 6.3, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0079] For example, the plant is mint and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0080] For example, the plant is mint, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly from 5.0 to 6.3.

[0081] For example, the plant is mint, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.3, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0082] For example, the plant is cardamom and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0083] For example, the plant is cardamom and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0.

[0084] For example, the plant is cardamom, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0085] For example, the plant is cinnamon and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0086] For example, the plant is cinnamon, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly from 5.0 to 6.0.

[0087] For example, the plant is cinnamon, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0088] For example, the plant is ginger and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0089] For example, the plant is ginger, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly from 5.0 to 6.0.

[0090] For example, the plant is ginger, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0091] For example, the plant is ginkgo and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0092] For example, the plant is ginkgo, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0093] Ginkgo is an example of a plant whose extract can impart a pH range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, to the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure. Thus, when the plant is ginkgo, the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure will be in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0.

[0094] For example, the plant is bay laurel and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0095] For example, the plant is a bay laurel and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly from 5.0 to 6.0.

[0096] For example, the plant is a bay laurel, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0097] For example, the plant is lemon verbena and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0098] For example, the plant is lemon verbena and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0.

[0099] For example, the plant is lemon verbena, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0100] For example, the plant is marigold and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0101] For example, the plant is marigold, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly from 5.0 to 6.0.

[0102] For example, the plant is marigold, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0103] For example, the plant is papaya and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0104] For example, the plant is papaya, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly from 5.0 to 6.0.

[0105] For example, the plant is papaya, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0106] For example, the plant is rosemary and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0107] For example, the plant is rosemary, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly from 5.0 to 6.0.

[0108] For example, the plant is rosemary, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0109] For example, the plant is sorrel and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0110] For example, the plant is sorrel, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly from 5.0 to 6.0.

[0111] For example, the plant is sorrel, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0112] For example, the plant is stevia and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0113] For example, the plant is stevia and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly from 5.0 to 6.0.

[0114] For example, the plant is stevia, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0115] For example, the plant is tea, such as green tea or black tea, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0116] For example, the plant is a tea, such as green tea or black tea, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure ranges from 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0.

[0117] For example, the plant is tea, such as green tea or black tea, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0118] For example, the plant is star anise and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0119] For example, the plant is star anise, and the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, and the organic acid is benzoic acid, levulinic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, or any combination thereof, particularly salicylic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0120] Star anise is an example of a plant whose extract can impart a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0, to the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure. Thus, when the plant is star anise, the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure will be in the range of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.0 to 6.0.

[0121] The plant extract may be a combination of multiple plant extracts, such as ginkgo extract, star anise extract, or a combination thereof. Advantageously, the use of ginkgo extract, star anise extract, or a combination thereof can impart a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, preferably 5.0 to 6.0, to the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure. For example, the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure may contain ginkgo extract, star anise extract, or a combination thereof in an amount of 10 to 90% by weight, preferably 30 to 70% by weight, and more preferably 50 to 60% by weight.

[0122] The density of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is 0.60 g / cm 3 less than 0.20 to 0.59 g / cm 3 , more preferably 0.45 to 0.58 g / cm 3 The range may be:

[0123] Advantageously, having a density in the above range makes it possible to produce an aerosol with a comfortable resistance to drawing and with satisfactory organoleptic properties (i.e., a constant, high taste intensity and a constant, sufficient amount of aerosol).

[0124] The density of a reconstituted plant sheet can be determined by dividing its basis weight by its thickness.

[0125] The basis weight of the reconstituted plant sheet can be determined using the following method. First, a template (dimensions: 57.5 × 43.5 cm) is used to measure the basis weight of the reconstituted plant sheet at a position approximately 15 cm from the edge of the sheet to be measured. 2A sample of 1000 g is then cut out. The sample is then folded in quarters and placed on a hot plate to dry, removing the water without removing the aerosol-forming material. The dried sample is then weighed to determine the basis weight of the reconstituted plant sheet.

[0126] The thickness of the reconstituted plant sheet can be determined using the method described in the standard NF EN ISO 534 (December 2011) suitable for reconstituted plant sheets. Measure the average thickness of the control parchment papers used to measure the thickness of the reconstituted plant sheets (measure a minimum of six times at pinpoint locations on each parchment paper). Place a sample of the reconstituted plant sheet between two sheets of parchment paper. Place the micrometer probe in place and wait 30 seconds (to allow the sample to stabilize for thickness measurement) before starting the measurement. Take at least six measurements at pinpoint locations on the parchment paper. The thickness of the reconstituted plant sheet can be calculated by subtracting twice the average thickness of the parchment paper from the average measured total thickness (reconstituted plant sheet + two sheets of parchment paper).

[0127] Generally, the basis weight of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure is 300 g / m 2 less than 20 to 250 g / m 2 , more preferably 80 to 200 g / m 2 , and more preferably 105 to 130 g / m 2 The range may be:

[0128] Generally, the thickness of the fibrous support of the reconstituted plant sheet may be in the range of 100 to 450 μm, preferably 120 to 375 μm, more preferably 140 to 325 μm, and even more preferably 180 to 250 μm.

[0129] Further, according to the present disclosure, A method for producing a reconstituted plant sheet as defined above, comprising: (a) passing plant fibers through a papermaking machine to produce a substrate web; (b) plant extract; aerosol-forming substances, and preparing a solution containing nicotine and an organic acid or a salt of nicotine; (c) contacting the prepared solution with a substrate web to form a wet reconstituted plant sheet; (d) drying the wet reconstituted plant sheet to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

[0130] The plant fiber, plant extract, aerosol-forming material, organic acid, and salt of nicotine are as defined above with respect to the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure.

[0131] The molar ratio of nicotine to organic acid in the solution prepared in step (b) above may be in the range of 1:0.1 to 1:10, preferably 1:0.4 to 1:5, more preferably 1:0.5 to 1:3.

[0132] The fibrous substrate can be manufactured using a papermaking machine. Thus, the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure can be a reconstituted plant sheet obtained by a papermaking process.

[0133] The pH of the solution prepared in step (b) above and used in step (c) above is acidic and may be in the range of preferably 4.0 to 6.5, more preferably 5.0 to 6.0, and even more preferably 5.2 to 5.8.

[0134] Advantageously, the use of a solution having a pH in the above range makes it possible to produce the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure.

[0135] The pH of the solution depends primarily on the amount of acid, nicotine, and / or nicotine salt in the solution, and those skilled in the art will know how to adjust the amount of acid, nicotine, and / or nicotine salt in the solution to prepare a solution having a pH within the above range.

[0136] The inventors have found that the pH and buffer capacity of the substrate web depend on the type of plant from which the plant fiber is derived. Therefore, the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure can be produced by adjusting the type of plant from which the plant fiber is derived and the pH of the solution to match the pH and buffer capacity of the substrate web.

[0137] The pH of the solution can be measured using a pH electrode. The pH of the substrate web can be measured using the method described above for measuring the pH of the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure.

[0138] According to the present disclosure, the organic acid is present in the plant extract, and therefore, in the solution prepared in step (b) above and used in step (c) above, the organic acid may be a compound of the plant extract.

[0139] Plant fibers and plant extracts include: (e) mixing one or more plant parts with a solvent to extract a plant extract from the plant fiber; or (f) separating the plant extract from the plant fiber.

[0140] Thus, the plant extract and plant fiber are obtained using an extraction step or separation process. In step (e) above, the plant extract can be extracted from the plant fiber by mixing one or more plant parts with a solvent, for example, in a digester. In step (f) above, the plant extract can be separated from the plant fiber, for example, by passing the plant fiber through a screw press.

[0141] Generally, the solvent can be a non-polar solvent, an aprotic polar solvent, a protic polar solvent, or any combination thereof, preferably methanol, dichloromethane, ethanol, acetone, butanol, water, or any combination thereof, more preferably ethanol, acetone, water, or any combination thereof.

[0142] The solvent may be an aqueous solvent. Preferably, the solvent is water.

[0143] A person skilled in the art will know how to adapt the temperature of the solvent in step (e) above to the plant, plant part and plant part to be treated. Generally, the solvent temperature when treating roots and bark is set higher than the solvent temperature when treating leaves and petals.

[0144] Generally, the temperature of the solvent in step (e) above may range from 10 to 100°C, preferably from 30 to 90°C, more preferably from 40 to 80°C.

[0145] Generally, the plant fibers are subjected to the above step (a) after being refined in a refiner.

[0146] Generally, plant fibers can be derived from a variety of plants.

[0147] The fibers of each plant in various plants can be obtained separately according to the above-mentioned separation process. Then, the fibers of each plant can be mixed and the mixture can be passed through a papermaking machine to produce a substrate web. Alternatively, fibers derived from various plants can be obtained by mixing one or more parts of various plants and then subjecting the mixture to the above-mentioned separation process. Then, the temperature of the water is set to a temperature suitable for the plant to be treated, in particular, the maximum temperature required to extract the extract of that plant. This alternative embodiment is highly advantageous because it allows fibers from various plants to be obtained without performing multiple separation processes in parallel.

[0148] Generally, the plant extract can be an extract of a variety of plants.

[0149] The extracts of various plants can be obtained by mixing the extracts of various plants obtained separately according to the above-mentioned separation process. Alternatively, the extracts of various plants can be obtained by mixing one or more parts of various plants and subjecting the mixture to the above-mentioned separation process. The temperature of the water is then set to a temperature suitable for the plant being treated, in particular the maximum temperature required to extract the water-soluble plant extract. This alternative embodiment is highly advantageous because it allows the extracts of various plants to be obtained without performing multiple separation processes in parallel. In these two situations, the extracts of various plants are contacted with the substrate web in the above-mentioned step (b).

[0150] In the above step (b), a solution is prepared by mixing a solvent (preferably water), nicotine, an aerosol-generating substance, a plant extract, and an organic acid. Thus, a nicotine salt is formed in situ in the solution by the reaction of the organic acid with nicotine. The organic acid is preferably added to the solvent before adding nicotine. This is advantageous for the formation of a nicotine salt. The above step (b) is used when an organic acid soluble in the solvent (preferably water) of the solution is used.

[0151] Alternatively, in the above step (b), the solution is prepared by mixing a solvent (preferably water), a nicotine salt, an aerosol-generating substance, and a plant extract. Thus, the nicotine salt can be formed ex-situ or purchased before being added to the solvent (preferably water). This alternative step (b) is used when an organic acid that is insoluble or slightly soluble in the solvent (preferably water) of the solution is used. Examples of such organic acids include salicylic acid, benzoic acid, or a combination thereof.

[0152] Generally, various plant extracts obtained according to the above separation process can be added to the solution in step (b) above.

[0153] Generally, the plant extract may be concentrated before being added to the solution in step (b) above. Concentration of the plant extract may be accomplished using equipment such as a vacuum evaporator.

[0154] Generally, step (b) above can be carried out by impregnation or spraying, especially by impregnation. Generally, impregnation can be carried out using a size press.

[0155] The above step (d) can be carried out using infrared lamps, American battery drying drums, hot air drying in a tunnel dryer, vertical dryer, fluidized bed dryer, or air dryer, especially a tunnel dryer.

[0156] The reconstituted plant sheet produced in step (d) above can be formed into particles, crimped sheets, or shredded sheets.

[0157] The reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure can be used in non-combustion heated tobacco products, which are devices that heat tobacco without burning it.

[0158] Thus, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable product for non-combustion heated tobacco, comprising the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure as defined above.

[0159] As used herein, the term "consumable" for non-combustion heated tobacco refers to the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure itself, a pouch containing the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure, a capsule containing the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure, or a stick containing the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure.

[0160] As used herein, the term "non-combustion heated tobacco product, which is a device that heats tobacco without burning it" refers to any heating device that can generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user. The aerosol is an alternative to traditional tobacco smoke (mainstream smoke), and when inhaled by a user, it can provide a botanical aroma and significantly reduce the user's exposure to harmful components. Throughout this application, the term "non-combustion heated tobacco product, which is a device that heats tobacco without burning it" can be interchanged with the term "heating device."

[0161] The consumables of the present disclosure are configured to be inserted into a dedicated receptacle for non-combustion heated tobacco products. A person skilled in the art will know how to configure the consumables of the present disclosure to fit into a dedicated receptacle for non-combustion heated tobacco products.

[0162] The reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure can be formed into a shape suitable for use in a dedicated container for non-combustible heat-not-burn tobacco as a consumable product. For example, the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure can be formed into particles, a crimped sheet, or shredded sheets, particularly shredded sheets having a width of 0.5 to 1 mm.

[0163] The pouch can be made of paper defining an interior space that accommodates the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure, which is contained within the interior space of the pouch. The reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure contained within the interior space of the pouch can be formed into particles, crimped sheets, or shredded sheets, among others.

[0164] The pouch may have a cylindrical shape with opposite sealed ends and a third sealed portion connecting the ends.

[0165] Alternatively, the pouch has a first paper layer and a second paper layer and is constructed as follows. consists of two sheets of paper, sealed on all sides, or It consists of a single sheet of paper, one edge folded over and all remaining edges sealed.

[0166] The paper of the pouch can be cigarette paper, cigarette rolling paper, or vegetable fiber paper, especially cigarette paper.

[0167] The reconstituted plant sheets of the present disclosure may be formed into particles and contained within, for example, a pouch or capsule.

[0168] Alternatively, the reconstituted plant sheets of the present disclosure may be formed into shredded sheets and contained within sticks for non-combustible tobacco heating, among other uses.

[0169] In one embodiment, the reconstituted plant sheet included in the consumable product can be produced using the methods of the present disclosure described above.

[0170] The present disclosure also provides the use of a reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure as defined above or a consumable product of the present disclosure as defined above in a non-combustion heated tobacco product.

[0171] Generally, a non-combustion heated tobacco product has, along the direction of airflow, an air inlet, a heating section, a housing section for housing and holding in place a reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure containing an aerosol-forming substance, and an air outlet for introducing an aerosol into the user's oral cavity. Generally, the air inlet, heating section, housing section, and air outlet are fluidly connected to each other.

[0172] Generally, when using a non-combustion heated tobacco product, a user draws air through the air outlet, thereby introducing air into the non-combustion heated tobacco product through the air inlet. The introduced air passes through the heating section and is heated. The heated air comes into contact with the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure, which contains an aerosol-forming substance held in the container, to generate an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user through the air outlet. If the plant is a medicinal plant, the generated aerosol has therapeutic properties.

[0173] Furthermore, non-combustion heated tobacco does not burn the reconstituted plant sheet, thus providing users with the sensory properties and nicotine of plants while significantly reducing users' exposure to harmful substances.

[0174] The reconstituted plant sheets of the present disclosure can also be used as wrapper paper (cigarette paper).

[0175] The present disclosure also provides a non-therapeutic use of the consumable as defined above in a non-combustion heated tobacco product.

[0176] The present disclosure also provides a consumable as defined above for therapeutic use in a non-combustion heated tobacco product, wherein the plant is selected from medicinal plants.

[0177] Example

[0178] Example 1: Production of a reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure with the addition of an organic acid

[0179] Three protocols were used to produce the reconstituted plant sheets shown in Tables 1A and 1B.

[0180] The three protocols include the following steps: The mixture of plant leaves and cellulose fibers (wood pulp) was placed in a laboratory water bath at 85°C for 30 minutes with manual stirring. Separating the plant extract from the plant and cellulose fibers by centrifugation. · Plant and cellulose fibers are run through a laboratory paper machine to create a substrate web.

[0181] Protocol 1 further includes the following steps: · Mixing the plant extract with glycerol (aerosol-generating substance) to form a mixture. Prepare an aqueous solution of nicotine and an organic acid. A solution is prepared by mixing a mixture of plant extract and glycerol with an aqueous solution of nicotine and organic acid. The solution is impregnated into a substrate web in a size press and dried to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

[0182] The reconstituted plant sheets of Examples 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E, and 1F were produced according to this protocol 1.

[0183] Protocol 2 further includes the following steps: The organic acid and nicotine are mixed to form a first mixture. Glycerol is mixed with this first mixture to form a second mixture. This second mixture is mixed with plant extracts preheated to 35-40°C to form the final mixture. Heat this final mixture to 48°C and stir until completely dissolved to form a solution. The solution is impregnated into a substrate web in a size press and dried to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

[0184] The reconstituted plant sheets of Examples 1D, 1H to 1L were produced according to this protocol 2.

[0185] Protocol 3 further includes the following steps: The organic acid and glycerol are mixed to form a first mixture. Nicotine is mixed with this first mixture to form a second mixture. Mix the plant extract into this second mixture to prepare a solution. The solution is impregnated into a substrate web in a size press and dried to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

[0186] The reconstituted plant sheet of Example 1G was produced according to this protocol 3.

[0187] The properties of each of the reconstituted plant sheets produced in Examples 1A to 1L and the pH of each solution are shown in Tables 1A and 1B.

[0188] Example 2: Production of a reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure without the addition of organic acids

[0189] The following protocol was used to produce the reconstituted plant sheet of Example 2A. The mixture of ginkgo leaves and cellulose fibers (wood pulp) was placed in a laboratory water bath at 85°C for 30 minutes with manual stirring. Separating the ginkgo extract from the ginkgo fiber and cellulose fiber by centrifugation. · Ginkgo and cellulose fibers are run through a laboratory paper machine to create a substrate web. · Nicotine and glycerol are mixed to form a first mixture. This first mixture is mixed with ginkgo extract preheated to 35-40°C to form a second mixture. Heat this second mixture to 48°C and stir to form a solution. The solution is impregnated into a substrate web in a size press and dried to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

[0190] The following protocol was used to prepare the reconstituted plant sheet of Example 2B. The mixture of sweet mint leaves and cellulose fiber (wood pulp) was placed in a laboratory water bath at 85°C for 30 minutes with manual stirring. Separating the sweet mint extract from the sweet mint fiber and cellulose fiber by centrifugation. The mixture of star anise leaves and cellulose fibers (wood pulp) was placed in a laboratory water bath at 85°C for 30 minutes with manual stirring. Separating the star anise extract from the star anise fibres and cellulose fibres by centrifugation. The sweet mint fiber and cellulose fiber mixture is run through a laboratory paper machine to create a substrate web. · Nicotine and glycerol are mixed to form a first mixture. · Mixing sweet mint extract and star anise extract to form a second mixture. The first mixture is mixed with the second mixture, which has been preheated to 35-40°C, to form a third mixture. Heat this third mixture to 48°C and stir to form a solution. The solution is impregnated into a substrate web in a size press and dried to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

[0191] The following protocol was used to prepare the reconstituted plant sheet of Example 2C. A mixture of green tea leaves, star anise leaves, and cellulose fibers (wood pulp) was placed in a laboratory water bath at 85°C for 30 minutes with manual stirring. Separating the green tea extract and star anise extract from the plant and cellulose fibers by centrifugation. The mixture of green tea fiber, star anise fiber, and cellulose fiber is run through a laboratory paper machine to create a substrate web. · Nicotine and glycerol are mixed to form a first mixture. · Mixing green tea extract and star anise extract to form a second mixture. The first mixture is mixed with the second mixture, which has been preheated to 35-40°C, to form a third mixture. Heat this third mixture to 48°C and stir to form a solution. The solution is impregnated into a substrate web in a size press and dried to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

[0192] Table 2 shows the properties of each of the reconstituted plant sheets produced in Examples 2A to 2C and the pH of each solution.

[0193] Comparative Example: Production of a reconstituted plant sheet not according to the present invention

[0194] Three protocols were used to produce the reconstituted plant sheets shown in Table 3.

[0195] The three protocols include the following steps: The mixture of plant leaves and cellulose fibers (wood pulp) was placed in a laboratory water bath at 85°C for 30 minutes with manual stirring. · Separation of plant extracts from plant fiber by centrifugation. · Plant and cellulose fibers are run through a laboratory paper machine to create a substrate web.

[0196] Protocol 1 further includes the following steps: Mix the plant extract with glycerol to form a mixture. Prepare an aqueous solution of nicotine. A solution is prepared by mixing the plant extract and glycerol mixture with an aqueous solution of nicotine. The solution is impregnated into a substrate web in a size press and dried to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

[0197] The reconstituted plant sheets of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were produced according to this protocol 1.

[0198] Protocol 2 further includes the following steps: Prepare an aqueous solution of nicotine. · Glycerol is mixed into an aqueous solution of nicotine to form a mixture. This mixture is mixed with plant extracts preheated to 35-40°C to form the final mixture. Heat this final mixture to 48°C and stir until completely dissolved to form a solution. The solution is impregnated into a substrate web in a size press and dried to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

[0199] The reconstituted plant sheets of Comparative Examples 3, 4, and 5 were produced according to this protocol 2.

[0200] Protocol 3 further includes the following steps: The organic acid and nicotine are mixed to form a first mixture. Glycerol is mixed with this first mixture to form a second mixture. This second mixture is mixed with plant extracts preheated to 35-40°C to form the final mixture. Heat this final mixture to 48°C and stir until completely dissolved to form a solution. The solution is impregnated into a substrate web in a size press and dried to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

[0201] The reconstituted plant sheet of Comparative Example 6 was produced according to this protocol 3.

[0202] Table 3 shows the properties of each of the reconstituted plant sheets produced in Comparative Examples 1 to 6 and the pH of each solution.

[0203] Example 3: Measurement of nicotine release during high temperature aging

[0204] The reconstituted plant sheets of Examples 1A to 1L, Examples 2A to 2C, and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 were stored at 40°C and a relative humidity of 60% for 11 days.

[0205] The total solids content of nicotine in these examples was measured by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The nicotine loss rate after storage for each reconstituted plant sheet is shown in Tables 1A, 1B, 2, and 3.

[0206] The results shown in Tables 1A, 1B, 2, and 3 indicate that nicotine is stabilized in the reconstituted plant sheets of the present disclosure having a pH ranging from 4.9 to 7. Notably, no nicotine loss was detected and nicotine stabilization was even better in the reconstituted plant sheets of the present disclosure of Examples 1D, 1E, 1F, 2A, 2B, and 2C.

[0207] As is clear from Example 2A, when ginkgo biloba extract is used, the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure of Example 2A is imparted with a pH in the range of 4.9 to 7 without the addition of an organic acid. Therefore, the ginkgo biloba extract contains an organic acid. Furthermore, since no nicotine loss was detected in the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure of Example 2A, the ginkgo biloba extract is particularly effective in stabilizing nicotine.

[0208] Comparison of Example 2B with Examples 1A-1G, and Example 2C with Examples 1J-1L demonstrates that star anise extract imparts a pH in the range of 4.9-7 to the reconstituted plant sheets of the present disclosure of Examples 2B and 2C without the addition of an organic acid. Thus, star anise extract contains an organic acid. Furthermore, star anise extract is particularly effective at stabilizing nicotine, as no nicotine loss was detected in the reconstituted plant sheets of the present disclosure of Examples 2B and 2C.

[0209] Example 4: Measurement of nicotine content in aerosols generated from the reconstituted plant sheets of Examples 1D, 1J, 1K, Comparative Example 4, and Comparative Example 5

[0210] The nicotine content in the aerosols generated from the reconstituted plant sheets of Examples 1D, 1J, and 1K, Comparative Examples 4, and 5 after high-temperature aging in Example 3 was measured using a glo™ Hyper heating system according to the following protocol. Commercially available NeoStick tubes for the glo™ Hyper heating system, purchased in Japan in September 2021, were emptied and filled with reconstituted plant sheets in the form of shredded tobacco. The weight of the reconstituted plant sheet was 340 mg per stick, and the resistance to draw was 70±3 mm water column. The sticks filled with the reconstituted plant sheets in the form of shredded tobacco were attached to a Borgwaldt NGX10 smoking machine, and aerosols were generated (using the glo™ Hyper heating system operating procedure). The aerosol-generating material was collected on a 40 mm Cambridge filter. The collected aerosol-forming materials were dissolved in methanol, separated by gas chromatography, and analyzed by flame ionization detection (FID) using n-heptadecane (used as a standard) as a reference material. The nicotine content in the aerosol was then quantified. The gas chromatography column used was a Phenomenex ZB-Wax plus (column dimensions: length 30 m, internal diameter 0.53 mm, film thickness 1 μm). The nicotine content in the aerosol was measured according to standard ISO 10315:2013, using methanol instead of the isopropanol specified in the standard. Six replicates were performed to measure the nicotine content in the aerosol.

[0211] The nicotine content in the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheets of Examples 1J and 1K is compared with the nicotine content in the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Comparative Example 4. This is because the reconstituted plant sheets are made from the same plant, green tea.

[0212] The nicotine content in the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Example 1J was 18.4% higher than the nicotine content in the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Comparative Example 4. Also, the nicotine content in the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Example 1K was 9.2% higher than the nicotine content in the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Comparative Example 4.

[0213] The nicotine content in the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Example 1D is compared with the nicotine content in the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Comparative Example 5, since the reconstituted plant sheets are made from the same plant, sweet mint.

[0214] The nicotine content in the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Example 1D was 35.4% higher than the nicotine content in the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Comparative Example 5.

[0215] The above comparison results demonstrate that the aerosols generated from the reconstituted plant sheets of the present disclosure (Examples 1D, 1J, and 1K) have a higher nicotine content than the aerosols generated from the reconstituted plant sheets with a pH greater than 7 (Comparative Examples 4 and 5).

[0216] Example 5: Sensory properties of aerosols generated from reconstituted plant sheets of Example 1D and Comparative Example 6

[0217] The sensory properties of the aerosols generated from the reconstituted plant sheets of Example 1D and Comparative Example 6 after high temperature aging in Example 3 were tested by five experts using a glo™ Hyper heating system according to the following protocol: The reconstituted plant sheets were cut into tobacco-like pieces and the sensory properties were evaluated.

[0218] Although the molar ratios of nicotine to organic acid in the two reconstituted plant sheets of Example 1D and Comparative Example 6 were similar, the experts noticed that the sensory characteristics of the aerosols generated from the two reconstituted plant sheets were significantly different. The aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Example 1D has very satisfactory organoleptic properties. The aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of Comparative Example 6 had an unpleasant irritation that strongly irritated the mouth, throat, and nose, and had a flat scent profile.

[0219] The above test results demonstrated that the sensory characteristics of the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet of the present disclosure (Example 1D) are satisfactory for users of non-combustion heat-not-burn tobacco products, and that the sensory characteristics of the aerosol generated from the reconstituted plant sheet with a pH of less than 4.9 (Comparative Example 6) are unsatisfactory for users of non-combustion heat-not-burn tobacco products.

[0220] [Table 1A]

[0221] [Table 1B]

[0222] [Table 2]

[0223] [Table 3]

Claims

1. A reconstituted plant sheet, a fibrous support comprising plant fibers obtained from a plant other than a tobacco plant; an aerosol-generating material; a plant extract obtained from a plant other than a tobacco plant; nicotine and an organic acid or a salt of nicotine; and A reconstituted plant sheet having a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, especially 5.0 to 6.

0.

2. 2. The reconstituted plant sheet according to claim 1, The organic acid is has a pKa of 5 or less, and The vapor pressure at 25°C is 10 －１０ A reconstituted plant sheet having a boiling point of 300°C or higher, or both.

3. 3. The reconstituted plant sheet according to claim 1 or 2, The reconstituted plant sheet, wherein the organic acid is alginic acid, aspartic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, glutamic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, pectinic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, myristic acid, or any combination thereof.

4. The reconstituted plant sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The reconstituted plant sheet has a total solid content of nicotine of 0.1 to 4% by weight.

5. The reconstituted plant sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A reconstituted plant sheet, wherein the molar ratio of the nicotine to the organic acid is 1:0.1 to 1:

10.

6. The reconstituted plant sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The reconstituted plant sheet has a total solid content of the aerosol-forming material of 10 to 40% by weight.

7. The reconstituted plant sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A reconstituted plant sheet, wherein the total content of solids in the plant extract is 10 to 70% by weight.

8. The reconstituted plant sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The reconstituted plant sheet, wherein the plant is selected from edible plants, aromatic plants, fragrant plants, medicinal plants, Cannabaceae plants, and any combination thereof.

9. The reconstituted plant sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The reconstituted plant sheet, wherein the plant is selected from anise, eucalyptus, fennel, ginger, mint, peppermint, licorice, sage, stevia, and any combination thereof.

10. A method for producing a reconstituted plant sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 9, (a) passing plant fibers through a papermaking machine to produce a substrate web; (b) a plant extract; aerosol-forming substances, and preparing a solution containing nicotine and an organic acid or a salt of nicotine; (c) contacting the solution with the substrate web to form a wet reconstituted plant sheet; (d) drying the wet reconstituted plant sheet to produce a reconstituted plant sheet.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, In the above step (b), the solution or by combining the plant extract, the aerosol-forming substance, the nicotine, and the organic acid in a solvent; or The method is prepared by combining the plant extract, the aerosol-forming material, and the salt of nicotine in a solvent.

12. A consumable product for non-combustion heated tobacco, comprising the reconstituted plant sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A non-therapeutic use of the consumable product of claim 12 in a non-combustion heated tobacco product.

14. 13. The consumable product of claim 12, Used for therapeutic purposes in non-combustible heated tobacco products, A consumable product, wherein the plant is selected from medicinal plants.

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