Reconstituted Rooibos Sheets with Stabilized Nicotine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reconstituted rooibos sheet containing acid-stabilized nicotine.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] This disclosure is in the field of devices for heating tobacco without burning it, and has as its subject matter reconstituted rooibos sheets containing stabilized nicotine. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] In order to avoid the generation of harmful components during tobacco combustion, numerous devices have been developed for heating tobacco without burning it. Examples include the applications published in WO 2016 / 026810 and WO 2016 / 207407, which describe such devices. A tobacco stick is placed in these devices, which then heat the tobacco below its combustion temperature without burning it, thereby generating an aerosol when the user draws air through the device. The generated aerosol, when inhaled by the user, replaces cigarette smoke and has desirable sensory properties. This allows the user to inhale nicotine and tobacco aroma, while significantly reducing the user's exposure to harmful components.

[0003]

[0003] In order for users to adopt these heating devices, it is important that the device provide an experience as close as possible to that obtained with a conventional cigarette, i.e., a similar level of nicotine with each puff.

[0004]

[0004] Natural tobacco leaves may not be suitable for such heating devices because they do not provide a satisfactory user experience.

[0005]

[0005] Reconstituted tobacco is more suitable for these heating devices because high levels of aerosol generating agent can be easily applied and a significant amount of aerosol can be generated that provides sufficient nicotine.

[0006]

[0006] The unpleasant tobacco odor can reduce the number of potential users of heating devices. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide users of these heating devices with a neutral odor. Technical Problem

[0007]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a reconstituted plant sheet that produces an aerosol with a satisfactory amount of nicotine, a neutral flavor, i.e., an aerosol that is pleasing to the user, and that has an attractive color.

[0008]

[0008] It is therefore to the inventors' credit that they have discovered that this need can be met by a reconstituted rooibos sheet containing a salt of nicotine and having a pH in a particular range. Summary of the Invention

[0009] A fibrous substrate comprising rooibos fibers. aerosol generators, and Rooibos extract A reconstituted rooibos sheet comprising: further comprising nicotine and an organic acid or a salt of nicotine; The present invention proposes a reconstituted rooibos sheet characterized by a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.5 to 6.5.

[0010]

[0010] Preferably, the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention generates an aerosol that provides nicotine in a satisfactory manner and is free of unpleasant stinging and sour taste, ie, an aerosol that is satisfactory to the user.

[0011]

[0011] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that these results may be explained by the following.

[0012] The reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention contains nicotine in the monoprotonated form, which is the predominant form of nicotine. The monoprotonated form is produced by the reaction of nicotine with an organic acid to form a salt of nicotine. The monoprotonated form is efficiently released into an aerosol during use of the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention in a heating device, and is known to have a physiological absorption profile comparable to that of a traditional cigarette.

[0013] The proportion of nicotine in the neutral form is increased in reconstituted rooibos sheets having a pH above 7. The neutral form is volatile and is therefore easily released during the production and storage of the reconstituted rooibos sheets and consumables for heating devices containing the reconstituted rooibos sheets. Furthermore, the neutral form is more irritating and has a slower physiological absorption than the monoprotonated form.

[0014] The proportion of diprotonated nicotine in reconstituted rooibos sheets with a pH of less than 4.9 increases. The diprotonated form is stable and is not efficiently released from the reconstituted rooibos sheets when aerosols are generated, so that the aerosols may contain insufficient amounts of nicotine. Furthermore, the proportion of free organic acids in the reconstituted rooibos sheets also increases, so that the aerosols generated from the reconstituted rooibos sheets may have an unpleasant sour taste and may even have adverse physiological effects.

[0015]

[0012] Furthermore, the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention has an attractive warm color that is similar to the color of reconstituted tobacco used in heating devices, and generates an aerosol with a neutral aroma.

[0016]

[0013] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that these results may be explained by the high amount of coloring compounds and the low amount of aromatic compounds in rooibos extract.

[0017]

[0014] Furthermore, the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention generates a satisfactory amount of aerosol thanks to the aerosol generating agent.

[0018] In another aspect, there is provided a method for producing a reconstituted rooibos sheet as defined above, comprising the steps of: a) passing rooibos fibre through a papermaking machine to produce a base web; b) forming a solution, Rooibos extract, aerosol generators, and Nicotine and organic acids or salts of nicotine forming a solution comprising: c) contacting the solution with the base web to obtain a wet reconstituted rooibos sheet; d) drying the wet reconstituted rooibos sheets to produce reconstituted rooibos sheets. We propose a method including: DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A fibrous substrate comprising rooibos fibers. aerosol generators, and Rooibos extract A reconstituted rooibos sheet comprising: further comprising nicotine and an organic acid or a salt of nicotine; The present invention proposes a reconstituted rooibos sheet characterized by a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.5 to 6.5.

[0020]

[0017] The pH of the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention is measured as follows. The reconstituted rooibos sheets are crushed to obtain particles less than 1 mm in size. 5.0+ / -0.1 mg of crushed reconstituted rooibos sheets were weighed and mixed with 100.0+ / -0.1 g of deionized water having a resistivity of approximately 18.2 megohms / cm; The sample was magnetically stirred in water for 15 minutes at a temperature of 20°C. Measure the pH.

[0021] The pH of the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention may depend on the pKa of the organic acid. For example, the pH may be in the range of 5.0 to 5.5 for organic acids with a pKa of 4 or less. Alternatively, the pH may be in the range of 5.5 to 6.5 for organic acids with a pKa of more than 4.

[0022] For purposes of this application, "salt of nicotine" 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 structure of nicotine includes two nitrogen atoms capable of accepting protons from the organic acid, and therefore nicotine can exist in a neutral form (unprotonated form), a monoprotonated form, and / or a diprotonated form.

[0023]

[0020] The total weight of the solid content of nicotine in the reconstituted rooibos sheet may be 0.1% to 4%, particularly 0.5% to 3%, more particularly 0.75% to 2.5%.

[0024]

[0021] Preferably, reconstituted rooibos sheets containing nicotine in this range generate an aerosol that allows the user to obtain an experience similar to that provided by the aerosol generated by classic tobacco heating devices and the smoke generated by combusted tobacco products.

[0025]

[0022] The molar ratio of nicotine to organic acid may be from 1:0.1 to 1:10, particularly from 1:0.4 to 1:5, and more particularly from 1:0.5 to 1:3.

[0026]

[0023] Preferably, the reconstituted rooibos sheet containing the molar ratio in this range has a pH in the range mentioned above.

[0027]

[0024] Typically, the organic acid is a pKa of less than or equal to 5, in particular less than 4, more particularly less than 3, and 10 at 25°C -10 ~20mmHg, especially 10 -8 ~10mmHg, more specifically 10-8 Vapor pressure of ~1mmHg and / or boiling point of >300°C It has.

[0028] Preferably, the organic acid having such a pKa and such a vapor pressure and / or such a boiling point is The reconstituted rooibos sheets of the present invention have a low amount of organic acids, which is advantageous for the production of salts of nicotine, Restricting the migration of organic acids in the aerosol generated by the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention, thereby limiting the sourness of said aerosol; Limiting acid loss during the production of the reconstituted rooibos sheets of the present invention.

[0029]

[0026] An organic acid may have several pKa values. For example, a dicarboxylic acid has two pKa values. In this case, the lower pKa value of the organic acid may be 5 or less, particularly less than 4, and more particularly less than 3.

[0030] 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 a mixture thereof, in particular benzoic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid or a mixture thereof, more specifically citric acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid or a mixture thereof.

[0031] For the purposes of this application, "fibrous substrate" means a base web made of rooibos fibres, in particular finely divided rooibos fibres. The base web is usually obtained by a papermaking process.

[0032]

[0029] For the purposes of this application, the term "rooibos extract" refers to any water-soluble preparation of rooibos.

[0033] For purposes of this application, the term "aerosol generating agent" means a compound that, when heated, is capable of producing an aerosol.

[0034] For the purposes of this application, the term "micronized rooibos fiber" refers to rooibos fiber that has undergone a micronization step that allows the rooibos fiber to be fibrillated and / or cut. The micronization step is conventionally carried out in papermaking processes, such as those that produce reconstituted tobacco. However, a micronization step is not carried out in processes that produce cast reconstituted tobacco.

[0035]

[0032] For example, the finely divided rooibos fibers may have a Schopper-Riegler degree (°SR) of 15°SR to 75°SR, particularly 20°SR to 65°SR, and more particularly 25°SR to 55°SR.

[0036]

[0033] Typically, the weight of the solid content of rooibos fiber contained in the reconstituted rooibos sheet may be 15% to 70%, particularly 20% to 61%, more particularly 30% to 57%.

[0037]

[0034] Typically, the fibrous support of the reconstituted rooibos sheet may also comprise cellulosic plant fibres.

[0038]

[0035] Cellulosic plant fibers are fibers obtained by chemical, mechanical or thermomechanical cooking processes, and include, for example, wood pulp, hemp, flax, and other annual plants. Mixtures of these cellulosic plant fibers may also be used.

[0039]

[0036] Preferably, these cellulosic plant fibers can enhance the mechanical strength properties of the reconstituted rooibos sheet.

[0040]

[0037] Typically, the cellulosic plant fibres may represent 0.5% to 20% by weight of the solids content of the reconstituted rooibos sheet, particularly 3% to 17.5%, more particularly 5% to 15%, and the remaining fibre of the reconstituted rooibos sheet is rooibos fibre.

[0041]

[0038] S AG is the total weight of the solid content of the aerosol-generating agent contained in the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention. AG may be 10% to 40%, particularly 12% to 35%, and more specifically 15% to 30%.

[0042]

[0039] S AG may depend on the organic acid. For example, S AG is suitable for organic acids that are soluble in solvents, especially water. AG is compatible with organic acids that are insoluble or sparingly soluble in solvents, especially water.

[0043]

[0040] S AG Aerosols generated from reconstituted rooibos sheets having a viscosity greater than the above ranges cause an undesirable burning sensation in the mouth and / or throat (a phenomenon known as "hot puffs").

[0044]

[0041] S AG The aerosol generated from the reconstituted rooibos sheet with a value lower than the above range has a volume that is too low and is not pleasant to feel.

[0045]

[0042] The aerosol generating agent may be a polyol, a non-polyol, or a mixture thereof. Typically, the polyol aerosol generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, triethylene glycol, or a mixture thereof. The non-polyol aerosol generating agent may be glyceryl diacetate, glyceryl triacetate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, or a mixture thereof.

[0046] The aerosol generating agent may preferably be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol, with glycerol being preferred.

[0047]

[0044] The color of the reconstituted rooibos sheet may depend on the weight content of the solid matter of rooibos extract contained in the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention.

[0048]

[0045] S p is the total weight of the solid content of the rooibos extract contained in the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention. p may be 6% to 70%, particularly 8% to 50%, and more specifically 10% to 35%.

[0049] Preferably, S within these ranges of values p It is then possible to produce reconstituted rooibos sheets with a warm and therefore attractive colour.

[0050]

[0047] S p To determine the value, the following method may be used: The reconstituted rooibos sheet to be analyzed is crushed to a particle size of 1 mm or less. The reconstituted rooibos sheet is then mixed with boiling water for 45 minutes to extract all of the rooibos extract. The S is determined by the difference between the dry weight of the reconstituted rooibos sheet sample to be analyzed and the dry weight of the fiber residue after extraction. p Calculate.

[0051] The density of the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention is 0.60 g / cm 3 Less than 0.20 g / cm 3 ~0.59g / m 3 , more specifically 0.23 g / cm 3 ~0.58g / cm 3 may be.

[0052] Preferably, a density within these ranges will allow the generation of aerosols having a constant high volume with a comfortable resistance to drawing.

[0053]

[0050] The density of a reconstituted rooibos sheet is calculated by dividing its basis weight by its thickness.

[0054]

[0051] To determine the basis weight of the reconstituted rooibos sheets, the following method may be used. Approximately 15 cm from the edge of the reconstituted rooibos sheet to be analyzed, a 0.25 m template (dimensions 57.5 x 43.5 cm) was used. 2 The sample is then folded in quarters to remove the water without removing the aerosol generator and placed on a hot plate to dry. The dried sample is then weighed to determine the basis weight of the reconstituted rooibos sheet.

[0055]

[0052] To determine the thickness of reconstituted rooibos sheets, the method described in the standard NF EN ISO 534 (December 2011) suitable for reconstituted rooibos sheets may be used. Measure the average thickness of the control parchment paper used to measure the thickness of the reconstituted rooibos sheets (at least six measurements per layer at specific locations on the paper); The reconstituted rooibos sheet sample was placed between two sheets of parchment paper. Immediately after placing the micrometer probe, allow a 30 second waiting period (to allow the sample to stabilize for thickness measurement) before taking the measurement. A minimum of six measurements were taken at specific locations on a single piece of parchment paper. The calculated thickness of the reconstituted rooibos sheet is the average of the measured total thickness (reconstituted rooibos sheet + two sheets of parchment paper) minus twice the average thickness of the parchment paper.

[0056]

[0053] Typically, reconstituted rooibos sheets have a basis weight of 300 g / m 2 Less than 20 g / m 2 ~250g / m 2 , more specifically 80 g / m 2 ~200g / m 2, and even more specifically 90 g / m 2 ~130g / m 2 may be.

[0057]

[0054] Typically, the thickness of the fibrous support of the reconstituted rooibos sheet may be from 100 μm to 500 μm, in particular from 120 μm to 450 μm, more particularly from 140 μm to 425 μm, and even more particularly from 180 μm to 400 μm.

[0058] A method for producing the reconstituted rooibos sheets of the invention as defined above, comprising the steps of: a) passing rooibos fibre through a papermaking machine to produce a base web; b) forming a solution, Rooibos extract, aerosol generators, and Nicotine and organic acids or salts of nicotine forming a solution comprising: c) contacting the solution with the base web to obtain a wet reconstituted rooibos sheet; d) drying the wet reconstituted rooibos sheets to produce reconstituted rooibos sheets. We also propose a method including:

[0059]

[0056] The rooibos fiber, rooibos extract, aerosol generating agent, organic acid, and salt of nicotine are as defined above for the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention.

[0060] In the solution produced during step b), the molar ratio of nicotine to organic acid may be from 1:0.1 to 1:10, in particular from 1:0.4 to 1:5, more particularly from 1:0.5 to 1:3.

[0061]

[0058] The fibrous support may be made using a papermaking machine. Thus, the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention may be a reconstituted rooibos sheet obtained by a papermaking process.

[0062] The pH of the solution produced during step b) and involved in step c) may be acidic, in particular between 4.0 and 6.5, more particularly between 5.0 and 6.0.

[0063]

[0060] Preferably, a solution having a pH within these ranges can be used to prepare the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention.

[0064] The pH of the solution depends mainly on the amount of acid, nicotine and / or nicotine salt in the solution. Those skilled in the art know how to adjust the amount of acid, nicotine and / or nicotine salt in the solution so that the solution has a pH within the above range.

[0065]

[0062] The pH of the solution is determined using a pH electrode. The pH of the base web is determined by the method described above for determining the pH of the reconstituted rooibos sheets of the present invention.

[0066]

[0063] Rooibos fiber and rooibos extract may be obtained according to the following steps. e) mixing one or more rooibos parts with a solvent to extract rooibos extract from the rooibos fibres; f) Separating the rooibos extract from the rooibos fibre.

[0067]

[0064] Thus, the rooibos extract and the rooibos fiber are usually obtained by a disaggregation process. During step e), one or more rooibos parts are mixed with a solvent, for example in a digester, in order to extract the rooibos extract from the rooibos fiber. During step f), the rooibos extract is separated from the rooibos fiber, for example by passing it through a screw press, in order to obtain, in isolation, the rooibos fiber on the one hand and the rooibos extract on the other hand.

[0068]

[0065] Typically, the solvent may be a non-polar solvent, an aprotic polar solvent, a protic polar solvent, or a mixture thereof; in particular, the solvent may be methanol, dichloromethane, ethanol, acetone, butanol, water, or a mixture thereof; more specifically, the solvent is ethanol, acetone, water, or a mixture thereof.

[0069] The solvent may be an aqueous solvent, and most particularly, the solvent is water.

[0070]

[0067] A person skilled in the art knows how to adapt the temperature of the solvent during step e) to the rooibos part being treated. Usually, the temperature of the solvent during the treatment of the roots or bark is higher than the temperature of the solvent during the treatment of the leaves or petals.

[0071]

[0068] Typically, the temperature of the solvent during step e) may be between 10°C and 100°C, in particular between 30°C and 90°C, more particularly between 40°C and 80°C.

[0072]

[0069] Typically, the rooibos fibre may be finely divided in a refiner before being involved in step a).

[0073] A solution may be formed during step b) by mixing the organic acid, nicotine, the aerosol generating agent and the rooibos extract in a solvent, in particular water, so that a salt of nicotine is formed in situ in the solution by reaction of the organic acid with the nicotine. The organic acid may be added to the solvent before the nicotine, which in fact favors the formation of a salt of nicotine. This step b) is suitable for organic acids that are soluble in the solvent of the solution, in particular in water.

[0074] Alternatively, the solution may be produced during step b) by mixing the nicotine salt, the aerosol generating agent and the rooibos extract in a solvent, in particular water. Thus, the nicotine salt can be produced externally or purchased and then added to the solvent, in particular water.

[0075] This alternative step b) is suitable for organic acids that are insoluble or sparingly soluble in the solvent of the solution, in particular in water, such as, for example, salicylic acid, benzoic acid or mixtures thereof.

[0076]

[0072] Typically, the rooibos extract may be concentrated and then added to the solution during step b). The rooibos extract may be concentrated using equipment such as a vacuum evaporator.

[0077]

[0073] Typically, step c) can be carried out by impregnation or spraying, in particular by impregnation. Typically, impregnation can be carried out by means of a size press.

[0078]

[0074] Typically, the drying step d) can be carried out by means of infrared lamps, US battery drying drums, by hot air drying in tunnel dryers, vertical dryers, fluidized bed dryers, pneumatic dryers, in particular by hot air drying in tunnel dryers.

[0079]

[0075] The reconstituted rooibos sheet produced in step d) may be formed into particulate form, crimped sheet form or shredded form.

[0080]

[0076] The reconstituted rooibos sheets of the present invention may be used in a heating device.

[0081]

[0077] Therefore, we also propose a consumable for a device for heating tobacco without burning it, which consumable comprises a reconstituted rooibos sheet according to the invention as defined above.

[0082]

[0078] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "consumable product" means a reconstituted rooibos sheet according to the present invention itself, a pouch containing a reconstituted rooibos sheet according to the present invention, a capsule containing a reconstituted rooibos sheet according to the present invention, or a stick for a heating device containing a reconstituted rooibos sheet according to the present invention.

[0083] For the purposes of this application, the term "device for heating tobacco without burning" means any device that allows for the generation of an aerosol intended to be inhaled by a consumer. The aerosol replaces smoke, allowing the user to inhale tobacco aromas while significantly reducing the user's exposure to harmful components. Throughout this application, the term "device for heating tobacco without burning" may be interchanged with the term "heating device."

[0084]

[0080] The consumables are adapted to be introduced into a dedicated housing of the heating device, and a person skilled in the art knows how to adapt the consumables to fit into a dedicated housing of the heating device.

[0085]

[0081] The reconstituted rooibos sheet according to the present invention can be molded as a consumable product to fit into a dedicated container of the heating device. For example, the reconstituted rooibos sheet may be in the form of fine particles, crimped sheets, or shredded sheets, particularly shredded sheets having a width of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0086]

[0082] The pouch can be made of paper having an internal volume, and the reconstituted rooibos sheet according to the present invention is contained in the internal volume. In the internal volume, the reconstituted rooibos sheet according to the present invention may be molded, particularly in the form of a finely divided particle, a crinkled sheet, or a shredded sheet.

[0087]

[0083] The pouch may have a cylindrical configuration with two sealed ends and a third sealed portion connecting the two sealed ends.

[0088] Alternatively, the pouch may comprise a first paper layer and a second paper layer; obtained by sealing two different pieces of paper together on all sides, or It is made by folding one identical piece of paper along one edge and sealing all the remaining edges.

[0089]

[0085] The paper of the pouch may be cigarette paper, cigarette wrapping paper, vegetable fiber paper, especially cigarette paper.

[0090]

[0086] The reconstituted rooibos sheets according to the present invention may be in particulate form, for example in a pouch or capsule.

[0091]

[0087] The reconstituted rooibos sheets according to the present invention may be in the form of shredded sheets, in particular in sticks for heating devices.

[0092]

[0088] According to one embodiment, the reconstituted rooibos sheets contained in the consumable product may be obtained by the method according to the invention as defined above.

[0093]

[0089] We also propose the use of a reconstituted rooibos sheet according to the invention as defined above, or a consumable according to the invention as defined above, in a device for heating tobacco without burning it.

[0094]

[0090] Typically, the heating device comprises, in the direction of air flow, an air inlet, a heating element, a container intended to position and hold in place the reconstituted rooibos sheet of the invention containing the aerosol-generating agent, and an air outlet intended to be introduced into the user's mouth. The air inlet, heating element, container and air outlet are typically at least fluidly connected to each other.

[0095]

[0091] Typically, when the heating device is used, air is drawn into the heating device by a user through the air inlet. The drawn air then passes through the heated section to obtain heated air. When the heated air comes into contact with a reconstituted rooibos sheet of the present invention containing an aerosol-generating agent and held in a container, an aerosol is generated by the heated air, which is then inhaled by the user.

[0096]

[0092] Furthermore, thanks to the heating device, the sheet does not burn, so the user can enjoy the effects of nicotine while at the same time significantly reducing the user's exposure to harmful components.

[0097]

[0093] The reconstituted rooibos sheets according to the invention as defined above may also be used as wrapping paper. [Example]

[0098] Example 1: Preparation Example 1A: The plant is rooibos and the organic acid is benzoic acid.

[0099]

[0096] The rooibos leaf mixture is contacted with water in a laboratory water bath at 85°C with manual stirring for 30 minutes. The rooibos extract is separated from the rooibos by centrifugation.

[0100]

[0097] The rooibos fibre is passed through a laboratory paper machine to obtain a base web.

[0101] Benzoic acid is mixed with nicotine to form a mixture. Rooibos extract is mixed with this mixture. Glycerol is then added and mixed with this mixture to form a solution with a pH of 5.5.

[0102]

[0099] In the size press, the solution is added to the base web by impregnation so as to obtain reconstituted rooibos sheets having a pH of 6.1 after drying.

[0103]

[0100] In the reconstituted rooibos sheet, The total weight of each solid is: nicotine 1.89% Rooibos extract 10.4% glycerol is 17.1%; The molar ratio of nicotine to benzoic acid is 1:1.07.

[0104]

[0101] Comparative Example 1: The plant is rooibos and no organic acids are added.

[0105]

[0102] The rooibos leaf mixture is contacted with water in a laboratory water bath at 85°C with manual stirring for 30 minutes. The rooibos extract is separated from the rooibos fibre by centrifugation.

[0106]

[0103] The rooibos fiber is passed through a laboratory paper machine to obtain a base web.

[0107]

[0104] Rooibos extract is mixed with nicotine. The mixture of rooibos extract and nicotine is mixed with glycerol to produce a solution with a pH of 7.9.

[0108]

[0105] In the size press, the solution is added to the base web by impregnation so as to obtain reconstituted rooibos sheets having a pH of 7.4 after drying.

[0109]

[0106] In the reconstituted rooibos sheet, The total weight of each solid is: 2.12% nicotine, Rooibos extract 12.2% Glycerol is 17.6%.

[0110] Example 2: Measurement of nicotine release Example 2A: Room Temperature Aging

[0109] The reconstituted rooibos leaves of Example 1A, Example 1B and Comparative Example 1 are stored for 7 days in a laboratory conditioned at 22°C and 60% relative humidity.

[0111]

[0110] Next, the total weight of the solid content of nicotine in each of the above three samples was measured by gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Their contents are shown in Table 1 below.

[0112]

[0111] [Table 1]

[0113]

[0112] The results shown in Table 1 demonstrate that nicotine is stabilized in the reconstituted plant sheet of the present invention having a pH of 4.9 to 7.

Claims

1. a fibrous support comprising rooibos fibre; aerosol generators, and Rooibos extract A reconstituted rooibos sheet comprising: further comprising nicotine and an organic acid or a salt of nicotine; A reconstituted rooibos sheet characterized by having a pH of 4.9 to 7.0, particularly 5.5 to 6.

5.

2. The organic acid is a pKa of 5 or less, and 10 at 25°C －１０ Vapor pressure between mmHg and 20 mmHg, boiling point above 300°C, or both The reconstituted rooibos sheet according to claim 1,

3. The reconstituted rooibos sheet according to claim 1 or 2, 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 a mixture thereof.

4. The reconstituted rooibos sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the total weight of the solid content of nicotine is 0.1% to 4%.

5. The reconstituted rooibos sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the molar ratio of nicotine to organic acid is 1:0.1 to 1:10, particularly 1:0.4 to 1:5, more particularly 1:0.5 to 1:

3.

6. The reconstituted rooibos sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the total weight of the solid content of the aerosol generating agent is 10% to 40%.

7. The reconstituted rooibos sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the total weight of the solid content of the rooibos extract is 6 to 70%.

8. A consumable for a device for heating tobacco without burning, comprising a reconstituted rooibos sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 12. Use of the consumable of claim 11 in a device for heating tobacco without burning it.