Novel aerosol generation substrate containing shikimi species

Abstract

To provide an aerosol-generating substrate which can be readily incorporated into an aerosol-generating article and can be manufactured using existing high-speed methods and apparatus.SOLUTION: An aerosol-generating article (1000), (4000a, 4000b), (5000) includes an aerosol-generating substrate (1020) including a homogenized star anise material including star anise particles, an aerosol former, and an exogenous binder. The aerosol-generating substrate (1020), (4020a, 4020b), (5020) includes at least 70 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate, on a dry weight basis; at least 50 micrograms of epoxyanethole per gram of the substrate, on a dry weight basis; and at least 130 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, on a dry weight basis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating substrate comprising homogenized plant material formed from star anise particles, and to an aerosol-generating article incorporating such an aerosol-generating substrate. The present invention further relates to an aerosol derived from an aerosol-generating substrate containing star anise particles.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than burned are known in the art. Typically, in such articles, the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating substrate or material, which may be in contact with the heat source, within the heat source, around the heat source, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in the air drawn through the article. The released compounds condense as they cool to form an aerosol.

[0003] Some aerosol-generating articles include flavorants that are delivered to the consumer during use of the article, for example, to enhance the flavor of the aerosol, to provide the consumer with a different sensory experience. The flavorants can be used to deliver taste, smell, or both taste and smell to the user inhaling the aerosol. It is known to provide heated aerosol-generating articles that include flavorants.

[0004] It is also known to provide flavorants to conventional combustible cigarette tobacco that is smoked by igniting the opposite end of the mouthpiece of the cigarette and generating inhalable smoke such that the tobacco rod burns. To provide additional flavor to the mainstream smoke as the tobacco burns, typically one or more flavorants are blended with the tobacco within the tobacco rod. Such flavorants can be provided, for example, as essential oils.

[0005] Aerosols from conventional combustible cigarettes containing a number of components that interact with receptors located in the mouth provide a "rich" sensation, i.e., a relatively strong mouthfeel. "Mouthfeel", as used herein, refers to the physical sensations in the mouth caused by food, beverages, or aerosols and is different from taste. Mouthfeel is a basic sensory attribute that, along with taste and aroma, determines the overall flavor of food products and aerosols.

[0006] It is difficult to reproduce the consumer experience provided by conventional combustible cigarettes with aerosol-generating articles in which the aerosol-generating substrate is heated rather than burned. This is partly due to the lower temperatures reached during heating of such aerosol-generating articles, which thereby release different profiles of volatile compounds.

[0007] It is desirable to provide a novel aerosol-generating substrate for heated aerosol-generating articles that provides an aerosol having an improved flavor and richness. Such an aerosol-generating substrate is particularly desirable when it can provide an aerosol having a sensory experience comparable to that provided by conventional combustible cigarettes. Also, such an aerosol-generating substrate is particularly desirable when it can provide an aerosol with reduced levels of undesirable aerosol compounds compared to existing aerosol-generating substrates, such as those containing only tobacco.

[0008] It is further desirable to provide such an aerosol-generating substrate that can be easily incorporated into aerosol-generating articles and can be manufactured using existing high-speed methods and equipment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate being formed of a homogenized plant material containing star anise particles, which is referred to as a "homogenized star anise material". The homogenized star anise material may further comprise an aerosol former. The homogenized star anise material may further comprise a binder. The aerosol-generating substrate may contain at least about 70 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-generating substrate may contain at least about 50 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-generating substrate may contain at least about 130 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate containing a homogenized plant material containing star anise particles. According to the present invention, the aerosol-generating substrate contains at least about 70 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, at least about 50 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and at least about 130 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate being formed of a homogenized star anise material containing star anise particles. According to the present invention, the homogenized star anise material contains star anise particles, an aerosol former, and a binder. The aerosol-generating substrate contains at least about 70 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, at least about 50 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and at least about 130 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0012] With the heating of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention by Test Method A described below, an aerosol is preferably generated that contains at least about 20 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate, at least about 10 micrograms of epoxyanethole per gram of the substrate, and at least about 3.5 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, based on dry weight. According to the present invention, the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is about 5 times or less the amount of epoxyanethole per gram of the substrate, and the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is about 10 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate.

[0013] With the heating of the aerosol-generating substrate by Test Method A, the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate contains at least about 0.4 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, at least about 0.2 micrograms of epoxyanethole per puff of the aerosol, and at least about 0.1 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol. Preferably, the puff of the aerosol has a volume of 55 milliliters generated by a smoking machine. According to the present invention, the amount of (E)-anethole per puff is about 5 times or less the amount of epoxyanethole per puff, and the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the homogenized plant material is about 10 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff.

[0014] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating substrate formed from a homogenized plant material containing star anise particles, which is herein referred to as a "homogenized star anise material". The homogenized star anise material may further include an aerosol former. The homogenized star anise material may further include a binder. The aerosol-generating substrate may include at least about 70 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate, at least about 50 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, and at least about 130 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, on a dry weight basis.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol-generating substrate formed from a homogenized star anise material, the homogenized star anise material comprising star anise particles, an aerosol former, and a binder. The aerosol-generating substrate includes at least about 70 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate, at least about 50 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, and at least about 130 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, on a dry weight basis.

[0016] The present invention further provides an aerosol generated upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol including at least about 0.4 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, at least about 0.2 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, and at least about 0.1 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol, wherein the puff of the aerosol has a volume of 55 milliliters generated by a smoking machine of Test Method A. According to the present invention, the amount of (E)-anethole per puff is about 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per puff, and the amount of (E)-anethole in the homogenized plant material is about 10 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff.

[0017] The present invention further provides a method for producing an aerosol generating substrate, including forming a slurry comprising star anise particles, water, an aerosol former, a binder, and optionally tobacco particles, casting or extruding the slurry in the form of a sheet or a strand, and drying the sheet or strand, preferably at a temperature of from 80°C to 160°C. When a sheet of the aerosol generating substrate is formed, the sheet may optionally be cut into strands or the sheets may be assembled to form a rod. The sheet may optionally be crimped prior to the assembly step.

[0018] The following references to the aerosol generating substrate and aerosol of the present invention are considered applicable to all aspects of the present invention unless otherwise stated.

[0019] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" refers to an article for generating an aerosol, where the article comprises an aerosol generating substrate that is adapted and intended to be heated or combusted to release a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. Conventional cigarettes are ignited when a user applies a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localized heat provided by the flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette ignites the end of the cigarette, and the resulting combustion generates inhalable smoke. In contrast, in a "heated aerosol generating article", the aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol generating substrate rather than by combusting the aerosol generating substrate. Examples of known heated aerosol generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating articles in which the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a combustible fuel element or heat source to a physically separated aerosol generating substrate.

[0020] Also known are aerosol-generating articles adapted to be used in an aerosol generation system that supplies an aerosol-forming agent to the aerosol-generating article. In such systems, the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating article contains substantially less aerosol-forming agent than the aerosol-generating substrate that conveys and provides substantially all of the aerosol-forming agent used to form an aerosol during operation.

[0021] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a substrate having the ability to generate, upon heating, a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate may or may not be visible to the human eye and may include vapor (e.g., gaseous particles of a substance that is normally liquid or solid at room temperature), as well as gases and droplets of condensed vapor.

[0022] As used herein, the term "homogenized plant material" encompasses any plant material formed by the aggregation of plant particles. For example, a sheet or web of homogenized plant material for the aerosol-generating substrate of the present invention can be formed by aggregating plant material particles obtained by grinding, pulverizing, or subdividing star anise plant material and optionally tobacco material such as tobacco leaf blades or tobacco leaf stems. The homogenized plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, a papermaking process, or any other suitable process known in the art.

[0023] As used herein, the term "homogenized star anise material" refers to a homogenized plant material containing star anise particles optionally combined with tobacco particles. The term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a homogenized plant material containing tobacco particles but not star anise particles and thus does not conform to the present invention.

[0024] As used herein, the term "star anise particles" encompasses particles derived from the dried fruits of plants of the genus Illicium, preferably particles derived from Illicium verum. (Illiciaceae).

[0025] In contrast, star anise essential oil is a distillate and (E)-anethole is a star anise-derived compound. These are not regarded as star anise particles and are not included in the proportion of particulate plant material.

[0026] The present invention provides an aerosol-generating article incorporating an aerosol-generating substrate formed of a homogenized plant material containing star anise particles, which is herein referred to as "homogenized star anise material". The present invention also provides an aerosol derived from such an aerosol-generating substrate. The inventors of the present invention have found that by incorporating star anise particles into the aerosol-generating substrate, it is possible to advantageously produce an aerosol that provides a novel sensory experience. Such an aerosol can provide a unique flavor and an increased level of richness.

[0027] Furthermore, the inventors have found that, advantageously, it is possible to produce an aerosol having an improved star anise aroma and flavor as compared to an aerosol produced by the addition of a star anise additive such as star anise oil. Star anise oil is distilled from the leaves, fruits and seeds of the star anise tree and has a different flavorant composition from star anise particles, presumably due to a distillation process that can selectively remove or retain certain flavorants. Furthermore, in the specific aerosol-generating substrates provided herein, the star anise particles are incorporated at a level sufficient to provide the desired star anise flavor while maintaining a sufficient level of tobacco material to provide the desired level of nicotine to the consumer.

[0028] Furthermore, surprisingly, including star anise particles in the aerosol-generating substrate has been found to provide a significant reduction in certain undesirable aerosol compounds as compared to an aerosol produced from an aerosol-generating substrate containing 100% tobacco particles without star anise particles.

[0029] The flavor released by star anise is due to the presence of one or more volatile flavoring agents that are volatilized upon heating and transmitted to the aerosol. (E)-Anethole ((E)-1-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl)benzene, chemical formula: C 10 H 12 O, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 25679-28-1) typically constitutes about 80% to about 90% by mass of star anise essential oil (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 8007-70-3).

[0030] The presence of star anise in homogenized plant material (such as castor leaves) can be reliably identified by DNA barcoding. Methods for performing DNA barcoding based on the nuclear genes ITS2, rbcL and matK lineages, as well as the plastid intergenic spacer trnH-psbA, are known in the art and can be used (Chen S, Yao H, Han J, Liu C, Song J, et al. (2010) Validation of the ITS2 Region as a Novel DNA Barcode for Identifying Medicinal Plant Species. PLoS ONE 5(1):e8613; Hollingsworth PM, Graham SW, Little DP (2011) Choosing and Using a Plant DNA Barcode. PLoS ONE 6(5):e19254).

[0031] The inventors performed a complex analysis and characterization of the aerosols generated from the aerosol-generating substrate of the present invention incorporating star anise particles and mixtures of star anise particles and tobacco particles, and compared such aerosols with aerosols generated from existing aerosol-generating substrates formed from tobacco materials without star anise particles. Based on this, the inventors were able to identify a group of "characteristic compounds" that are present in the aerosol and are compounds derived from star anise particles. Thus, the detection of characteristic compounds within a specific range of weight percentages in the aerosol can be used to identify aerosols derived from aerosol-generating substrates containing star anise particles. These characteristic compounds are not present, in particular, in aerosols generated from tobacco materials. Furthermore, the ratio of the characteristic compounds to each other and the proportion of the characteristic compounds within the aerosol clearly indicate the use of star anise plant material rather than star anise oil. Similarly, the presence of these characteristic compounds in the aerosol-generating substrate at a specific proportion indicates that star anise particles are included in the substrate.

[0032] In particular, the defined levels of the characteristic compounds in the substrate and in the aerosol are specific to the star anise particles present in the homogenized star anise material. The level of each characteristic compound depends on the way the star anise particles were treated during the manufacture of the homogenized star anise material. The level also depends on the composition of the homogenized star anise material and may in particular be affected by the levels of other components within the homogenized star anise material. The levels of the characteristic compounds in the homogenized star anise material may differ from the levels of the same compounds in the starting star anise material. Also, this may differ from the levels of the characteristic compounds in materials that contain star anise particles but are not according to the invention as defined herein.

[0033] To perform the characterization of the aerosol, the inventors used complementary non-target differential screening (NTDS) using liquid chromatography coupled to a high-resolution accurate mass spectrometer (LC-HRAM-MS) in parallel with two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GCxGC-TOFMS).

[0034] Non-target screening (NTS) is an important method for characterizing the chemical composition of complex matrices by either matching the features of unknown detected compounds to a spectral database (suspect screening [SSA]) or, in the absence of a match to prior knowledge, elucidating the unknown structure using information from primary fragmentation (MS / MS) that matches in-silico predicted fragments from a compound database (non-target analysis [NTA]). NTS enables simultaneous measurement and the ability to semi-quantify multiple small molecules from a sample using a fair approach.

[0035] As described above, non-target differential screening (NTDS) can be carried out when focusing on the comparison of two or more aerosol samples to evaluate the significant differences in chemical composition between samples in an unregulated manner, or when groups related to prior knowledge are available between sample groups. Complementary differential screening using liquid chromatography coupled to a high-resolution accurate mass spectrometer (LC-HRAM-MS) in parallel with two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GCxGC-TOFMS) is applied to ensure a comprehensive analytical scope for identifying the most relevant differences in aerosols between an aerosol derived from an article containing 100% by weight star anise as particulate plant material and an aerosol derived from an article containing 100% by weight tobacco as particulate plant material.

[0036] Aerosols were generated and collected using the apparatus and methods described in detail below.

[0037] LC-HRAM-MS analysis was performed using a Thermo QExactive™ high-resolution mass spectrometer in both full-scan mode and data-dependent mode. Thus, three different methods were applied to cover a wide range of substances with different ionization characteristics and compound classes. Samples were analyzed using RP chromatography with heated electrospray ionization (HESI) in positive and negative modes, and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in positive mode. The methods are described in: Arndt, D. et al, “In depth characterization of chemical differences between heat-not-burn tobacco products and cigarettes using LC-HRAM-MS-based non-targeted differential screening” (DOI: 10.13140 / RG.2.2.11752.16643), Wachsmuth, C. et al, “Comprehensive chemical characterisation of complex matrices through integration of multiple analytical modes and databases for LC-HRAM-MS-based non-targeted screening” (DOI: 10.13140 / RG.2.2.12701.61927), and Buchholz, C. et al, “Increasing confidence for compound identification by fragmentation database and in silico fragmentation comparison with LC-HRAM-MS-based non-targeted screening of complex matrices” (DOI: 10.13140 / RG.2.2.17944.49927) (all from the 66th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, San Diego, USA (2018)).The method is further described in Arndt, D. et al, “A complex matrix characterization approach, applicated to sicachine moke, that integration multiple analysis methods and compound identification strategies for non-targeted liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry” (DOI: 10.1002 / rcm.8571).

[0038] GCxGC-TOFMS analysis was performed in three different ways for non-polar, polar, or highly volatile compounds in aerosols using an Agilent GC Model 6890A or 7890A instrument equipped with an auto liquid injector (Model 7683B) and a thermal modulator coupled to a LECO Pegasus 4D™ mass spectrometer. The methods are described in Almstetter et al, “Non-targeted screening using GC×GC-TOFMS for in-depth chemical characterization of aerosol from a heat-not-burn tobacco product” (DOI:10.13140 / RG.2.2.36010.31688 / 1), and Almstetter et al, “Non-targeted differential screening of complex matrices using GC×GC-TOFMS for comprehensive characterization of the chemical composition and determination of significant differences” (DOI:10.13140 / RG.2.2.32692.55680) (from the 66th and 64th ASMS Conferences on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, San Diego, USA, respectively).

[0039] Results from the analytical methods provided information on the major compounds responsible for differences in aerosols generated by such articles. The focus of non-targeted differential screening using both analytical platforms LC-HRAM-MS and GCxGC-TOFMS was on compounds present in greater amounts in the aerosol of a sample of the aerosol-generating substrate according to the invention containing 100% star anise particles versus a comparative sample of an aerosol-generating substrate containing 100% tobacco particles. The NTDS method is described in the literature listed above.

[0040] Based on this information, the inventors were able to identify specific compounds within the aerosol that could be considered "characteristic compounds" derived from star anise particles in the substrate. Characteristic compounds specific to star anise include, but are not limited to, (E)-anethole, epoxy anethole, and benzyl isoeugenol ether. For the purposes of the present invention, target screening can be performed on a sample of the aerosol-generating substrate to identify the presence and amount of each of the characteristic compounds in the substrate. Such target screening methods are described below. As described, the characteristic compounds can be detected and measured in both the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol derived from the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0041] As defined above, the aerosol-generating article of the present invention includes an aerosol-generating substrate formed of a homogenized star anise material containing star anise particles. As a result of containing star anise particles, the aerosol-generating substrate contains a specific proportion of "characteristic compounds" of star anise, as described above. In particular, the aerosol-generating substrate contains at least about 70 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of substrate, at least about 50 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of substrate, and at least about 130 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of substrate, on a dry weight basis.

[0042] By defining the aerosol-generating substrate for a desired level of characteristic compounds, it is possible to ensure consistency between products, despite potential differences in the levels of characteristic compounds in the raw materials. This advantageously enables more effective control of the quality of the product.

[0043] The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at least about 0.75 mg of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 1.5 mg of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol generating substrate preferably contains about 3 mg or less of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate, more preferably about 2.5 mg or less of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate, and even more preferably about 2.2 mg or less of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may contain from about 70 micrograms to about 3 mg of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate, or from about 0.75 mg to about 2.5 mg of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate, or from about 1.5 mg to about 2.2 mg of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0044] The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at least about 0.75 mg of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 1.5 mg of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol generating substrate preferably contains about 3 mg or less of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, more preferably about 2.5 mg or less of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, and even more preferably about 2 mg or less of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may contain from about 50 micrograms to about 3 mg of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, or from about 0.75 mg to about 2.5 mg of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, or from about 1.5 mg to about 2 mg of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0045] The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at least about 1 mg of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and more preferably contains at least about 2 mg of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate. As another method, or additionally, the aerosol generating substrate preferably contains about 5 mg or less of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, more preferably contains about 4.5 mg or less of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, and even more preferably contains about 4 mg or less of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may contain about 130 micrograms to about 5 mg of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, or about 1 mg to about 4.5 mg of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, or about 2 mg to about 4 mg of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate.

[0046] The ratio of the characteristic compounds in the aerosol generating substrate is preferably such that the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and more preferably 3 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate. This ratio of (E)-anethole to epoxy anethole is significantly lower than the corresponding ratio in star anise oil, which is characteristic of including star anise particles in the aerosol generating substrate. In contrast, star anise oil typically contains trace amounts or less of epoxy anethole and a relatively high proportion of (E)-anethole.

[0047] Alternatively, or additionally, the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate is preferably at least 1.5 times, and more preferably at least 1.75 times, the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. The presence of a higher level of benzyl isoeugenol ether than (E)-anethole is characteristic of including star anise particles. In contrast, star anise oil typically contains trace amounts or less of benzyl isoeugenol ether and a relatively high proportion of (E)-anethole.

[0048] As defined above, the present invention also provides an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate formed of homogenized plant material containing star anise particles, wherein an aerosol containing the "characteristic compounds" of star anise is generated upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0049] For the purposes of the present invention, the aerosol-generating substrate is heated according to "Test Method A". In Test Method A, an aerosol-generating article incorporating the aerosol-generating substrate is heated in a tobacco heating system 2.2 holder (THS2.2 holder) under the Health Canada mechanical smoking regimen. For the purposes of carrying out Test Method A, the aerosol-generating substrate is provided in an aerosol-generating article compatible with the THS2.2 holder.

[0050] The tobacco heating system 2.2 holder (THS2.2 holder) corresponds to the commercially available iQOS device (Philip Morris Products SA, Switzerland) described in Smith et al., 2016, Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 81(S2) S82 - S92. Aerosol-generating articles for use in combination with the iQOS device are also commercially available.

[0051] The Health Canada smoking regimen is a defined and accepted smoking protocol as set out in Schedule 2 (issued by Health Canada) of the Tobacco Products Information Regulations, SOR / 2000-273, 2000. The test method is described in ISO / TR 19478-1:2014. In the Health Canada smoking test, when ventilation is present, the aerosol is collected from the aerosol generation substrate of the sample over 12 puffs with a puff volume of 55 millilitres, a puff duration of 2 seconds, and a puff interval of 30 seconds with all ventilation blocked.

[0052] Accordingly, in the context of the present invention, the expression "with heating of the aerosol generation substrate according to Test Method A" means heating of the aerosol generation substrate in a THS2.2 holder under the Health Canada mechanical smoking regimen as set out in Schedule 2 (issued by Health Canada) of the Tobacco Products Information Regulations, SOR / 2000-273, 2000, and this test method is described in ISO / TR 19478-1:2014.

[0053] For the purposes of analysis, the aerosol generated from the heating of the aerosol generation substrate is contained using an appropriate device depending on the analytical method used.

[0054] For analysis by LC-HRAM-MS, in an appropriate method for generating a sample, the particulate phase is trapped using a conditioned 44 mm Cambridge glass fiber filter pad (compliant with ISO 3308) and a filter holder (compliant with ISO 4387 and ISO 3308). The remaining gas phase is collected downstream from the filter pad using two consecutive micro-impingers (20 mL) each containing methanol and an internal standard (ISTD) solution (10 mL), and maintained at -60 °C using a mixture of dry ice and isopropanol. The trapped particulate and gas phases are then recombined, the sample is shaken and stirred for 5 minutes, and centrifuged (4500 g, 5 minutes, 10 °C) to extract the methanol from the micro-impingers. The resulting extract is diluted with methanol and mixed in an Eppendorf ThermoMixer (5 °C, 2000 rpm). Test samples from the extract are analyzed by LC-HRAM-MS in a combination of full scan mode and data-dependent fragmentation mode to identify characteristic compounds. For the purposes of the present invention, LC-HRAM-MS analysis is suitable for the identification and quantification of (E)-anethole, epoxyanethole, and benzyl isoeugenol ether.

[0055] Samples for analysis by GCxGC-TOFMS can be generated in a similar manner, although for GCxGC-TOFMS analysis, different solvents are appropriate for the extraction and analysis of polar, non-polar, and volatile compounds separated from the whole aerosol.

[0056] For non-polar and polar compounds, the entire aerosol is collected using a conditioned 44-mm Cambridge glass fiber filter pad (compliant with ISO 3308) and a filter holder (compliant with ISO 4387 and ISO 3308). Subsequently, two micro-impingers are connected in series and sealed. Each micro-impinger (20 mL) contains 10 mL of dichloromethane / methanol (80:20 v / v) containing an internal standard (ISTD) and a retention index marker (RIM) compound. The micro-impingers are maintained at -80 °C using a mixture of dry ice and isopropanol. For the analysis of non-polar compounds, the particulate phase of the entire aerosol is extracted from the glass fiber filter pad using the contents of the micro-impingers. Water is added to an aliquot (10 mL) of the resulting extract, and the sample is shaken and centrifuged as described above. The dichloromethane layer is separated, dried over sodium sulfate, and analyzed by GCxGC-TOFMS in full scan mode. For the analysis of polar compounds, the remaining aqueous layer from the above non-polar sample preparation is used. ISTD and RIM compounds are added to the aqueous layer, which is then directly analyzed by GCxGC-TOFMS in full scan mode.

[0057] For volatile compounds, the entire aerosol is collected using two micro-impingers (20 mL) connected in series and sealed, each filled with 10 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide containing ISTD and RIM compounds, respectively. The micro-impingers are maintained at -50 °C to -60 °C using a mixture of dry ice and isopropanol. After collection, the contents of the two micro-impingers are combined and analyzed by GCxGC-TOFMS in full scan mode.

[0058] For the purposes of the present invention, GCxGC-TOFMS analysis is suitable for the identification and quantification of (E)-anethole.

[0059] The aerosol generated upon heating of the aerosol generating substrate according to the invention by Test Method A is characterized by the amounts and ratios of the characteristic compounds, (E)-anethole, epoxy anethole, and benzyl isoeugenol ether, as defined above.

[0060] Preferably, in an aerosol generating article comprising the above-mentioned aerosol generating substrate, upon heating of the aerosol generating substrate by Test Method A, on a dry weight basis, at least 20 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the aerosol generating substrate, at least 10 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the aerosol generating substrate, and at least 3.5 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the aerosol generating substrate are included, and an aerosol is generated.

[0061] The ranges define the respective amounts of the characteristic compounds in the generated aerosol per gram of the aerosol generating substrate (also referred to herein as the "substrate"). This is equal to the total amount of the characteristic compounds measured in the aerosol collected during Test Method A divided by the dry weight of the aerosol generating substrate before heating.

[0062] Upon heating the aerosol - generating substrate according to the present invention by Test Method A, preferably, an aerosol is generated that contains at least about 100 micrograms of (E) - anethole per gram of the substrate, more preferably, at least about 300 micrograms of (E) - anethole per gram of the substrate. As another method, or additionally, the aerosol generated from the aerosol - generating substrate contains at most about 750 micrograms of (E) - anethole per gram of the substrate, preferably, at most about 650 micrograms of (E) - anethole per gram of the substrate, more preferably, at most about 600 micrograms of (E) - anethole per gram of the substrate. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol - generating substrate may contain from about 20 micrograms to about 750 micrograms of (E) - anethole per gram of the substrate, or from about 100 micrograms to about 650 micrograms of (E) - anethole per gram of the substrate, or from about 300 micrograms to about 600 micrograms of (E) - anethole per gram of the substrate.

[0063] Upon heating the aerosol - generating substrate according to the present invention by Test Method A, preferably, an aerosol is generated that contains at least about 100 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, more preferably, at least about 200 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate. As another method, or additionally, the aerosol generated from the aerosol - generating substrate contains at most about 400 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, preferably, at most about 350 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, more preferably, at most about 300 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol - generating substrate may contain from about 10 micrograms to about 400 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, or from about 100 micrograms to about 350 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, or from about 200 micrograms to about 300 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate.

[0064] Upon heating the aerosol-generating substrate according to the present invention by Test Method A, preferably, at least about 50 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, more preferably, at least about 100 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate is contained, and an aerosol is generated. As another method, or additionally, the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate contains a maximum of about 250 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, preferably, a maximum of about 200 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, more preferably, a maximum of about 150 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate may contain about 3.5 micrograms to about 250 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, or about 50 micrograms to about 200 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate, or about 100 micrograms to about 150 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate.

[0065] According to the present invention, the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate during Test Method A has an amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate that is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate. Accordingly, the ratio of (E)-anethole to epoxy anethole is 5:1 or less.

[0066] The amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is preferably 3 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate such that the ratio of (E)-anethole to epoxy anethole is 3:1 or less. The amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is more preferably 2.5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate such that the ratio of (E)-anethole to epoxy anethole is 2.5:1 or less.

[0067] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generation substrate in Test Method A preferably has an amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate that is 10 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate. Accordingly, the ratio of (E)-anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether is 10:1 or less.

[0068] The amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is preferably 8 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate such that the ratio of (E)-anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether is 8:1 or less. More preferably, the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 6 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate such that the ratio of (E)-anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether is 6:1 or less.

[0069] The ratio of epoxy anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether in the aerosol is preferably about 4:1 to 1:1.

[0070] (E)-Anethole and the defined ratios to epoxy anethole and benzyl isoeugenol ether characterize the aerosol derived from star anise particles. In contrast, in the aerosol produced from star anise oil, the ratio of (E)-anethole to epoxy anethole and the ratio of (E)-anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether can be significantly different. This is due to the relatively high proportion of (E)-anethole in star anise oil compared to star anise plant material. The levels of epoxy anethole and benzyl isoeugenol ether, other characteristic compounds in star anise oil, are zero or nearly zero.

[0071] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generation substrate of the present invention in Test Method A preferably contains at least about 0.1 micrograms of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at least about 1 microgram of nicotine per gram of the substrate, and even more preferably at least about 2 micrograms of nicotine per gram of the substrate. The aerosol preferably contains at most about 10 micrograms of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at most about 7.5 micrograms of nicotine per gram of the substrate, and even more preferably at most about 4 micrograms of nicotine per gram of the substrate. For example, the aerosol can contain from about 0.1 micrograms to about 10 micrograms of nicotine per gram of the substrate, or from about 1 microgram to about 7.5 micrograms of nicotine per gram of the substrate, or from about 2 micrograms to about 4 micrograms of nicotine per gram of the substrate. In some embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol may contain zero micrograms of nicotine.

[0072] The amount of nicotine in the aerosol can be measured by applying various methods known in the art.

[0073] Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention during Test Method A may optionally further comprise at least about 20 milligrams of cannabinoid compound per gram of substrate, more preferably at least about 50 milligrams of cannabinoid compound per gram of substrate, more preferably at least about 100 milligrams of cannabinoid compound per gram of substrate. The aerosol preferably contains up to about 250 milligrams of cannabinoid compound per gram of substrate, more preferably contains up to about 200 milligrams of cannabinoid compound per gram of substrate, and more preferably contains up to about 150 milligrams of cannabinoid compound per gram of substrate. For example, the aerosol may contain from about 20 milligrams to about 250 milligrams of cannabinoid compound per gram of substrate, or from about 50 milligrams to about 200 milligrams of cannabinoid compound per gram of substrate, or from about 100 milligrams to about 150 milligrams of cannabinoid compound per gram of substrate. In some embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol may contain zero micrograms of cannabinoid compound.

[0074] The cannabinoid compound is preferably selected from CBD and THC. More preferably, the cannabinoid compound is CBD.

[0075] The amount of cannabinoid compound in the aerosol can be measured by applying various methods known in the art.

[0076] Also, carbon monoxide may be present in the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention during Test Method A and can be measured and used to further characterize the aerosol. Oxides of nitrogen such as nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide may also be present in the aerosol and can be measured and used to further characterize the aerosol.

[0077] In Test Method A, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate of the present invention may further contain at least about 5 milligrams of aerosol former per gram of the aerosol generating substrate, or at least about 10 milligrams of aerosol per gram of the substrate, or at least about 15 milligrams of aerosol former per gram of the substrate. As another method, or additionally, the aerosol may contain up to about 30 milligrams of aerosol former per gram of the substrate, or up to about 25 milligrams of aerosol former per gram of the substrate, or up to about 20 milligrams of aerosol former per gram of the substrate. For example, the aerosol may contain from about 5 milligrams to about 30 milligrams of aerosol former per gram of the substrate, or from about 10 milligrams to about 25 milligrams of aerosol former per gram of the substrate, or from about 15 milligrams to about 20 milligrams of aerosol former per gram of the substrate. In an alternative embodiment, the aerosol may contain less than 5 milligrams of aerosol former per gram of the substrate. This may be appropriate, for example, when the aerosol former is provided separately in the aerosol generating article or the aerosol generating device.

[0078] Suitable aerosol formers for use in the present invention are described below.

[0079] The amount of aerosol former in the aerosol can be measured by applying various methods known in the art.

[0080] As described above, the presence and defined amounts and ratios of characteristic compounds in the aerosol indicate that star anise particles are contained in the homogenized star anise material forming the aerosol generating substrate.

[0081] Star anise particles preferably contain at least about 3 weight percent volatile oil, more preferably at least about 4 weight percent volatile oil, and most preferably at least about 5 weight percent volatile oil on a dry weight basis. The essential oil content of star anise particles can be determined using steam distillation as described in ISO 6571:2008. This gives an indication of the essential oil content of star anise particles.

[0082] The aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention preferably comprises a homogenized star anise material containing at least about 2.5 weight percent star anise particles on a dry weight basis. The particulate plant material preferably contains at least about 3 weight percent star anise particles on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 4 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 5 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 6 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 7 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 8 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 9 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 10 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 11 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 12 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 13 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 14 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 15 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably at least about 20 weight percent star anise particles, and more preferably at least about 30 weight percent star anise particles.

[0083] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the plant particles forming the homogenized star anise material may comprise, by dry weight of the plant particles, at least 98 weight percent star anise particles, or at least 95 weight percent star anise particles, or at least 90 weight percent star anise particles. Thus, in such embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate comprises star anise particles and substantially no other plant particles. For example, the plant particles forming the homogenized star anise material may comprise about 100 weight percent star anise particles.

[0084] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the homogenized star anise material may comprise star anise particles in combination with at least one of tobacco particles or cannabis particles, as described below.

[0085] In the following description of the present invention, the term "particulate plant material" is used to collectively refer to the particles of plant material used to form the homogenized plant material. The particulate plant material may consist essentially of star anise particles, or may be a mixture of star anise particles and tobacco particles, cannabis particles, or both tobacco particles and cannabis particles.

[0086] The homogenized star anise material may comprise, on a dry weight basis, up to about 95 weight percent star anise particles. The homogenized star anise material preferably comprises, on a dry weight basis, up to about 90 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably up to about 80 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably up to about 70 weight percent star anise particles, more preferably up to about 60 weight percent star anise particles, and even more preferably up to about 50 weight percent star anise particles.

[0087] For example, the homogenized star anise material may contain star anise particles in an amount of about 2.5 weight percent to about 95 weight percent, or about 5 weight percent to about 90 weight percent, or about 10 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, or about 15 weight percent to about 70 weight percent, or about 20 weight percent to about 60 weight percent, or about 30 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, based on dry weight.

[0088] As described above, the inventors have identified a number of "characteristic compounds" that are characteristic of star anise plants and are thus compounds that indicate the presence of star anise plant particles within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0089] The amount of characteristic compounds present in pure star anise particles is expected to be different from the amount present in the aerosol generating substrate. The preparation process of the substrate, including hydration in a slurry or suspension and drying at elevated temperatures, as well as the presence of other components such as aerosol formers, differentially modifies the amount of each of the characteristic compounds. The temperature during manufacture and the integrity of the star anise particles and the stability of the compounds under the operating conditions can affect the final amount of the compounds present in the substrate. Thus, it is intended that the ratios of the characteristic compounds to each other will be different after the star anise particles are incorporated into substrates in various physical forms, such as sheets, strands, and granules.

[0090] The presence of star anise within the aerosol generating substrate and the proportion of star anise provided within the aerosol generating substrate can be determined by measuring the amount of characteristic compounds within the substrate and comparing this to the corresponding amount of characteristic compounds in a pure star anise material. The presence and amount of the characteristic compounds can be carried out using any suitable technique known to those skilled in the art.

[0091] In a suitable technique, a sample of 250 milligrams of the aerosol generating substrate is mixed with 5 milliliters of methanol, shaken, and extracted by stirring for 5 minutes and centrifugation (4500 g, 5 minutes, 10 degrees Celsius). An aliquot (300 microliters) of the extract is transferred to a silanized chromatography vial and diluted with methanol (600 microliters) and an internal standard (ISTD) solution (100 microliters). The vial is closed and mixed for 5 minutes using an Eppendorf ThermoMixer (5 degrees Celsius, 2000 rpm). Samples from the resulting extract are analyzed by LC-HRAM-MS in a combination of full scan mode and data-dependent fragmentation mode for the identification of characteristic compounds.

[0092] In some embodiments, the homogenized star anise material further comprises up to about 92 weight percent tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis.

[0093] For example, the homogenized star anise material preferably comprises from about 10 weight percent to about 92 weight percent tobacco particles, more preferably from about 20 weight percent to about 90 weight percent tobacco particles, more preferably from about 30 weight percent to about 85 weight percent tobacco particles, more preferably from about 40 weight percent to about 80 weight percent tobacco particles, and more preferably from about 50 weight percent to about 70 weight percent tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis.

[0094] In some preferred embodiments, the homogenized star anise material comprises from about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent star anise particles and from about 55 weight percent to about 70 weight percent tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis.

[0095] The weight ratio of star anise particles to tobacco particles in the particulate plant material forming the homogenized star anise material can vary depending on the desired flavor characteristics and composition of the aerosol. The homogenized star anise material preferably contains a weight ratio of star anise particles to tobacco particles of about 1:4 or less. This means that the star anise particles account for 20 percent or less of the total particulate plant material. More preferably, the homogenized star anise material contains a weight ratio of star anise particles to tobacco particles of 1:5 or less, and even more preferably 1:6 or less.

[0096] For example, in a first preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of star anise particles to tobacco particles is 1:4. A ratio of 1:4 corresponds to a particulate plant material consisting of about 20 weight percent star anise particles and about 80 weight percent tobacco particles. For a homogenized star anise material formed from about 75 weight percent of the particulate plant material, this corresponds to about 15 weight percent star anise particles and about 60 weight percent tobacco particles in the homogenized star anise material, based on dry weight.

[0097] In another embodiment, the homogenized star anise material contains a weight ratio of star anise particles to tobacco particles of 1:9. In yet another embodiment, the homogenized star anise material contains a weight ratio of star anise particles to tobacco particles of 1:30.

[0098] As used herein, the term "tobacco particles" describes particles of any plant member of the Nicotiana species. The term "tobacco particles" includes ground or powdered tobacco leaf lamina, ground or powdered tobacco leaf stems, tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during the processing, handling, and shipping of tobacco. In a preferred embodiment, substantially all of the tobacco particles are derived from tobacco leaf lamina. In contrast, isolated nicotine and nicotine salts, while compounds derived from tobacco, are not considered tobacco particles for the purposes of the present invention and are not included in the proportion of the particulate plant material.

[0099] Tobacco particles can be prepared from one or more tobacco plant varieties. Any type of tobacco can be used in the blend. Examples of types of tobacco materials that can be used include, but are not limited to, sun-cured tobacco, fire-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, Virginia tobacco, and other specialty tobaccos.

[0100] Fire-curing is a method of drying tobacco that is particularly used for Virginia tobacco. During the fire-curing process, heated air circulates through the packed tobacco. During the first stage, the tobacco leaves turn yellow and wither. During the second stage, the leaf lamina dries completely. During the third stage, the leaf stalk dries completely.

[0101] Burley tobacco plays an important role in many tobacco blends. Burley tobacco has a unique flavor and aroma and has the ability to absorb large amounts of casing.

[0102] Oriental tobacco is a type of tobacco that has small leaves and high aromatic quality. However, Oriental tobacco has a milder flavor than, for example, Burley tobacco. Therefore, generally, Oriental tobacco is used in a relatively small proportion in tobacco blends.

[0103] Kasturi, Madura, and Jatim are subtypes of sun-cured tobacco that can be used. It is preferred that Kasturi tobacco and fire-cured tobacco be used in the blend to produce tobacco particles. Thus, the tobacco particles in the particulate plant material can include a blend of Kasturi tobacco and fire-cured tobacco.

[0104] Tobacco particles can have a nicotine content of at least about 2.5 weight percent based on dry weight. More preferably, the tobacco particles can have a nicotine content of at least about 3 weight percent based on dry weight, even more preferably at least about 3.2 weight percent, even more preferably at least about 3.5 weight percent, and most preferably at least about 4 weight percent. When the aerosol generating substrate contains tobacco particles in combination with star anise particles, it is preferred that the tobacco having a high nicotine content maintain a similar level of nicotine compared to a typical aerosol generating substrate without star anise particles, as otherwise the total amount of nicotine would be reduced due to replacing tobacco particles with star anise particles.

[0105] As a result of including tobacco particles, the aerosol generating substrate and the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate of such embodiments contain a specific proportion of "characteristic compounds" of tobacco. Characteristic compounds generated from tobacco include, but are not limited to, anatabine, cotinine, and damascenone.

[0106] Nicotine may optionally be incorporated into the aerosol generating substrate, but this is considered a non-tobacco material for the purposes of the present invention. Nicotine can include one or more nicotine salts selected from the list consisting of nicotine lactate, nicotine citrate, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine benzoate, nicotine pectinate, nicotine alginate, and nicotine salicylate. Nicotine may be incorporated in addition to low nicotine content tobacco, or nicotine may be incorporated into an aerosol generating substrate having a reduced tobacco content or zero tobacco content.

[0107] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate comprises a homogenized star anise material formed from particulate plant material consisting only of star anise particles having nicotine, such as a nicotine salt incorporated into the aerosol generating substrate.

[0108] The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at least about 0.1 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at least about 0.5 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, more preferably at least about 1 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at least about 1.5 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at least about 2 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at least about 3 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at least about 4 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at least about 5 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0109] The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at most about 50 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at most about 45 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, more preferably at most about 40 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at most about 35 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at most about 30 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at most about 25 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably at most about 20 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0110] For example, the aerosol generating substrate may contain from about 0.1 mg to about 50 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, or from about 0.5 mg to about 45 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, or from about 1 mg to about 40 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, or from about 2 mg to about 35 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, or from about 5 mg to about 30 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, or from about 10 mg to about 25 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, or from about 15 mg to about 20 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. In a particular preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate contains from about 1 mg to about 20 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0111] The defined range of nicotine content in the aerosol generating substrate includes all forms of nicotine that can be present in the aerosol generating substrate, including nicotine that is inherently present in the tobacco material and, optionally, nicotine that is separately added to the aerosol generating substrate, for example, in the form of a nicotine salt.

[0112] As another or additional way of including tobacco particles of the homogenized star anise material of the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention, the homogenized star anise material may contain up to 92 weight percent of cannabis particles on a dry weight basis. The term "cannabis particles" refers to particles of cannabis plants such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.

[0113] For example, the particulate plant material may contain from about 10 weight percent to about 92 weight percent of cannabis particles on a dry weight basis, more preferably from about 20 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of tobacco particles, more preferably from about 30 weight percent to about 85 weight percent of tobacco particles, more preferably from about 40 weight percent to about 80 weight percent of tobacco particles, and more preferably from about 50 weight percent to about 70 weight percent of tobacco particles.

[0114] One or more cannabinoid compounds may optionally be incorporated into the aerosol generating substrate, which is considered a non-cannabis material for the purposes of the present invention. As used herein in the context of the present invention, the term "cannabinoid compound" describes any one type of natural compound found in the cannabis plant, namely Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabinoid compounds are particularly concentrated in the female flower heads and are commonly sold as cannabis oil. Natural cannabinoid compounds in the cannabis plant include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). In the context of the present invention, the term "cannabinoid compound" is used to describe both naturally-derived cannabinoid compounds and synthetically-produced cannabinoid compounds.

[0115] For example, the aerosol generating substrate may contain a cannabinoid compound selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabinol (CBE), cannabicitran (CBT), and combinations thereof.

[0116] The homogenized star anise material may further include a proportion of other plant flavor particles in addition to star anise particles, or a combination of star anise particles with at least one of tobacco particles and cannabis particles ("particulate plant material").

[0117] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "other plant flavor particles" refers to particles of non-star anise, non-tobacco, and non-cannabis plant materials having the ability to generate one or more flavoring agents upon heating. This term is considered to exclude particles of inert plant materials, such as cellulose, that do not contribute to the sensory output of the aerosol-generating substrate. The particles can be derived from ground or powdered leaf laminas, fruits, petioles, stems, roots, seeds, buds, or skins from other plants. Suitable plant flavor particles for inclusion in the aerosol-generating substrate according to the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, clove particles and tea particles.

[0118] The composition of the homogenized star anise material can advantageously be adjusted by blending the desired amounts and types of different plant particles. This enables the aerosol-generating substrate to be formed from a single homogenized star anise material, if desired, without the need for different blends or mixtures of combinations, as is the case, for example, in the manufacture of conventional cut fillers. Thus, the manufacture of the aerosol-generating substrate can potentially be simplified.

[0119] The particulate plant material used in the aerosol-generating substrate of the present invention can be adapted to provide a desired particle size distribution. The particle size distribution herein is described as a D value, whereby the D value refers to the proportion of the number of particles having a diameter below a given D value. For example, in a D95 particle size distribution, 95 percent of the number of particles have a diameter below a given D95 value and 5 percent of the number of particles have a diameter greater than the given D95 value. Similarly, in a D5 particle size distribution, 5 percent of the number of particles have a diameter below the D5 value and 95 percent of the number of particles have a diameter greater than the given D5 value. Thus, together, the D5 and D95 values provide an indication of the particle size distribution of the particulate plant material.

[0120] The particulate plant material can have a D95 value of 50 microns or more up to a D95 value of 400 microns or less. This means that the particulate plant material can be of a distribution represented by any D95 value within a given range, i.e., the D95 can be 50 microns, or the D95 can be 55 microns etc., and the D95 can be up to 400 microns at most. By providing a D95 value within this range, inclusion of relatively large plant particles in the homogenized star anise material is avoided. This is desirable because generation of aerosols from such large plant particles is likely to be relatively inefficient. Further, inclusion of large plant particles in the homogenized star anise material can adversely affect the consistency of the material.

[0121] The particulate plant material preferably can have a D95 value of about 100 microns or more up to about 350 microns or less, more preferably a D95 value of about 200 microns or more up to about 300 microns or less. Both the particulate star anise material and the particulate tobacco material can have a D95 value of about 50 microns or more up to about 400 microns or less, preferably a D95 value of 100 microns or more up to about 350 microns or less, and more preferably a D95 value of about 200 microns or more up to about 300 microns or less.

[0122] The particulate plant material preferably can have a D5 value of about 10 microns or more up to about 50 microns or less, more preferably a D5 value of about 20 microns or more up to about 40 microns or less. By providing a D5 value within this range, inclusion of very small dust particles in the homogenized star anise material is avoided, which may be desirable from a manufacturing perspective.

[0123] In some embodiments, the particulate plant material may be deliberately ground to form particles having a desired particle size distribution. The use of deliberately ground plant material advantageously improves the homogeneity of the particulate plant material and the consistency of the homogenized star anise material.

[0124] The diameter of 100% of the particulate plant material may be about 500 microns or less, more preferably about 450 microns or less. The diameter of 100% of the particulate star anise material and 100% of the particulate tobacco material may be about 500 microns or less, and more preferably about 450 microns or less. The particle size range of the star anise particles enables the star anise particles to be combined with tobacco particles in an existing cast leaf process.

[0125] The homogenized star anise material preferably contains at least about 55 weight percent of the particulate plant material containing star anise particles, more preferably at least about 60 weight percent of the particulate plant material, and still more preferably at least about 65 weight percent of the particulate plant material, on a dry weight basis, as described above. The homogenized star anise material preferably contains up to about 95 weight percent of the particulate plant material, more preferably up to about 90 weight percent of the particulate plant material, and still more preferably up to about 85 weight percent of the particulate plant material, on a dry weight basis. For example, the homogenized star anise material can contain from about 55 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of the particulate plant material, or from about 60 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of the particulate plant material, or from about 65 weight percent to about 85 weight percent of the particulate plant material, on a dry weight basis. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the homogenized star anise material contains about 75 weight percent of the particulate plant material, on a dry weight basis.

[0126] Thus, the particulate plant material is typically combined with one or more other components to form the homogenized star anise material.

[0127] As defined above, the homogenized star anise material further comprises a binder for changing the mechanical properties of the particulate plant material, the binder being included in the homogenized star anise material during manufacture as described herein. Suitable exogenous binders known to those skilled in the art are known in the art and include, for example, gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic and locust bean gum, cellulose binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose, organic acids such as starch, alginic acid, conjugate base salts of organic acids such as sodium alginate, agar and pectin, and polysaccharides such as these, and combinations thereof, but are not limited thereto. The binder preferably comprises guar gum.

[0128] The binder is preferably present in an amount of about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, preferably about 2 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, based on the dry weight of the homogenized star anise material.

[0129] Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized star anise material may further comprise one or more lipids for promoting the diffusion rate of volatile components (e.g., aerosol formers, (E)-anethole, and nicotine), the lipids being included in the homogenized star anise material during manufacture as described herein. Suitable lipids for inclusion in the homogenized star anise material include, but are not limited to, medium-chain triglycerides, cocoa butter, palm oil, kernel oil, mango oil, shea butter, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, sunflower oil, rice bran, and Revel A, and combinations thereof.

[0130] Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized star anise material may further comprise a pH adjuster.

[0131] Alternatively, or in addition, the homogenized star anise material may further include fibers to vary the mechanical properties of the homogenized star anise material, and the fibers are included in the homogenized star anise material during the manufacturing described herein. Suitable exogenous fibers for inclusion in the homogenized star anise material are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, fibers formed from non-tobacco materials and non-star anise materials, such as cellulose fibers, softwood fibers, hardwood fibers, jute fibers, and combinations thereof. Also, exogenous fibers derived from tobacco and / or star anise may be added. Any fibers added to the homogenized star anise material are not considered to form part of the "particulate plant material" as defined above. Prior to inclusion in the homogenized star anise material, the fibers may be treated by suitable processes known in the art, including, but not limited to, mechanical pulping, refining, chemical pulping, bleaching, kraft pulping, and combinations thereof. Typically, the fibers have a length greater than their width.

[0132] Suitable fibers typically have a length greater than 400 micrometers and less than or equal to 4 mm, and preferably have a length in the range of 0.7 mm to 4 mm. The fibers are preferably present in an amount of at least about 2 weight percent, based on the dry weight of the substrate. The amount of fibers in the homogenized star anise material can depend on the type of material, and in particular, the method used to produce the homogenized star anise material. In some embodiments, the fibers can be present in an amount of about 2 weight percent to about 15 weight percent, most preferably about 4 weight percent, based on the dry weight of the substrate. For example, this level of fibers can be present where the homogenized star anise material is in the form of cast leaves. In other embodiments, the fibers can be present in an amount of at least about 30 weight percent, or at least about 40 weight percent. For example, this higher level of fibers is likely to be provided when the homogenized star anise material is star anise paper formed in a papermaking process.

[0133] As defined above, the homogenized star anise material further comprises an aerosol former. Upon volatilization, the aerosol former can carry nicotine and flavorants in the aerosol, as well as other vaporized compounds released from the aerosol generating substrate upon heating. The aerosolization of a particular compound from the aerosol generating substrate is not determined solely by its boiling point. The amount of compound aerosolized can be affected by the physical form of the substrate, as well as by other components also present in the substrate. The stability of the compound under the temperature and time frame of aerosolization also affects the amount of compound present in the aerosol.

[0134] Aerosol formers suitable for inclusion in the homogenized star anise material are known in the art and include polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3 - butanediol and glycerol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol mono -, di - or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono -, di - or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate), but are not limited thereto.

[0135] The homogenized star anise material preferably has an aerosol former content of about 5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, such as about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent, or about 15 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, based on dry weight.

[0136] For example, when intended for use in an aerosol generating article for an electrically - actuated aerosol generating system where the substrate has a heating element, it is preferably capable of containing an aerosol former content of about 5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent based on dry weight. When intended for use in an aerosol generating article for an electrically - actuated aerosol generating system where the substrate has a heating element, the aerosol former is preferably glycerol.

[0137] In another embodiment, the homogenized star anise material may have an aerosol former content of from about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent on a dry weight basis. For example, if the substrate is intended for use in an aerosol generating article where the aerosol former is held in a reservoir separate from the substrate, the substrate may have an aerosol former content greater than 1 percent and less than about 5 percent. In such embodiments, the aerosol former volatilizes upon heating and the flow of the aerosol former contacts the aerosol generating substrate so as to incorporate flavor from the aerosol generating substrate into the aerosol.

[0138] The aerosol former may act as a wetting agent in the aerosol generating substrate.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the homogenized star anise material comprises star anise particles, from about 5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of an aerosol former on a dry weight basis, and from about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent of a binder. In such embodiments, the homogenized star anise material preferably further comprises from about 2 weight percent to about 15 weight percent of fibers. Particularly preferably, the binder is guar gum.

[0140] Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized star anise material may further comprise an acid. The acid may comprise a carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid may comprise a ketone group. Preferably, the carboxylic acid may comprise a ketone group having less than about 10 carbon atoms, or less than about 6 carbon atoms or less than about 4 carbon atoms, such as levulinic acid or lactic acid. Inclusion of an acid may be particularly advantageous when the aerosol generating substrate is in the form of a gel, as described below.

[0141] The homogenized plant material of the aerosol generation substrate according to the present invention may include a single type of homogenized plant material, or two or more types of homogenized plant materials having different compositions or forms from each other. For example, in one embodiment, the aerosol generation substrate includes star anise particles and tobacco particles or cannabis particles contained within a sheet of the same homogenized plant material. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generation substrate may include tobacco particles or cannabis particles, and star anise particles, within different sheets from each other.

[0142] The homogenized plant material is preferably in the form of a solid or a gel. However, in some embodiments, the homogenized material may be in the form of a solid that is not a gel. The homogenized material is preferably not in the form of a membrane.

[0143] The homogenized star anise material can be provided in any suitable form. For example, the homogenized star anise material may be in the form of one or more sheets. As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "sheet" describes a thin, layer-like element having a width and length that are considerably larger than its thickness.

[0144] As another method, or additionally, the homogenized star anise material may be in the form of a plurality of pellets or granules.

[0145] As another method, or additionally, the homogenized star anise material may be in a form that can fill a cartridge or shisha consumable, or can be used in a shisha device. The present invention includes a cartridge or shisha device containing the homogenized star anise material.

[0146] Alternatively, or additionally, the homogenized star anise material may be in the form of a plurality of strands, flakes, or pieces. As used herein, the term "strand" describes an elongated element of a material having a length that is substantially greater than its width and thickness. The term "strand" is considered to encompass flakes, pieces, and any other homogenized star anise material having a similar form. Strands of the homogenized star anise material may be formed from a sheet of the homogenized star anise material, for example, by cutting or shredding, or by other means, such as an extrusion process.

[0147] In some embodiments, the strands can be formed in situ within the aerosol-generating substrate, for example, as a result of the splitting or cracking of a sheet of the homogenized star anise material during the formation of the aerosol-generating substrate, such as as a result of curling. The strands of the homogenized star anise material within the aerosol-generating substrate may be separated from each other. Alternatively, each of the strands of the homogenized star anise material within the aerosol-generating substrate may be at least partially connected to an adjacent strand along the length of the strand. For example, adjacent strands may be connected by one or more fibers. This can occur, for example, when the strands are formed as a result of the splitting of a sheet of the homogenized star anise material during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating substrate described above.

[0148] The aerosol generating substrate is preferably in the form of one or more sheets of homogenized star anise material. In various embodiments of the present invention, one or more sheets of homogenized star anise material may be produced by a casting process. In various embodiments of the present invention, one or more sheets of homogenized star anise material may be produced by a papermaking process. Each of the one or more sheets described herein may individually have a thickness of from 100 micrometers to 600 micrometers, preferably from 150 micrometers to 300 micrometers, and most preferably from 200 micrometers to 250 micrometers. The individual thickness refers to the thickness of an individual sheet, and the combined thickness refers to the total thickness of all the sheets constituting the aerosol generating substrate. For example, if the aerosol generating substrate is formed from two individual sheets, the combined thickness is the thickness of the two individual sheets, or the sum of the measured thicknesses of the two sheets, and the two sheets are stacked within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0149] Each of the one or more sheets described herein may individually have a basis weight of from about 100 g / m 2 to about 300 g / m 2 .

[0150] Each of the one or more sheets described herein may individually have a density of from about 0.3 g / cm 3 to about 1.3 g / cm 3 and preferably have a density of from about 0.7 g / cm 3 to about 1.0 g / cm 3 .

[0151] The term "tensile strength" is used throughout this specification to denote the measured value of the force required to stretch a sheet of homogenized star anise material until it breaks. More specifically, tensile strength is the maximum tensile force per unit width that the sheet material will withstand before breaking, and is measured in the machine direction or cross direction of the sheet material. This is expressed in units of Newtons per meter of material (N / m). Tests for measuring the tensile strength of sheet materials are well known. A suitable test is described in the 2014 edition of the international standard ISO 1924-2 under the title "Paper and board - Test methods for tensile properties - Part 2: Constant rate of elongation method".

[0152] The materials and equipment required to conduct the test in accordance with ISO 1924-2 are a universal tensile / compression testing machine (Instron 5566, or equivalent), a 100 Newton tensile load cell (Instron, or equivalent), two pneumatically actuated grips, a steel gauge block 180 ± 0.25 millimeters in length (width: approximately 10 millimeters, thickness: approximately 3 millimeters), a double blade strip cutter (size 15 ± 0.05 x approximately 250 millimeters, Adamel Lhomargy, or equivalent), a surgical scalpel, computer-operated acquisition software (Marlins, or equivalent), and compressed air.

[0153] Samples are prepared first by conditioning a sheet of homogenized star anise material at 22 ± 2 degrees Celsius and 60 ± 5% relative humidity for at least 24 hours prior to testing. The samples are then cut to approximately 250 x 15 ± 0.1 millimeters in the machine direction or cross direction using a double blade strip cutter. The ends of the test pieces must be cut cleanly so as not to cut more than three test specimens simultaneously.

[0154] The tensile / compression testing apparatus is set up by installing a 100 Newton tensile load cell, turning on the power of the general-purpose tensile / compression testing machine and the computer, selecting a pre-defined measurement method with software, and setting the test speed to 8 millimeters per minute. Then, the tensile load cell is calibrated and the pneumatic acting grips are attached. The test distance between the pneumatically actuated grips is adjusted to 180 ± 0.5 millimeters using a steel gauge block, and the distance and force are set to zero.

[0155] Next, place the test specimen straight and centered between the grips, avoiding touching the area of the test specimen with fingers. Close the upper grip and hang a strip of paper inside the open lower grip. Set the force to zero. After gently pulling down the strip of paper, close the lower grip, but the starting force must be between 0.05 and 0.20 Newtons. While the upper grip moves upward, a gradually increasing force is applied until the test specimen breaks. Repeat the same procedure with the remaining test specimens. The result is valid when the test specimen breaks when the grip moves such that the distance exceeds 10 millimeters. Otherwise, mark the result as failed and conduct additional measurements.

[0156] If the test specimens of the available homogenized star anise material are smaller than the samples described in the tests according to ISO 1924-2 as described above, the test can be easily scaled down to accommodate the available size of the test specimens.

[0157] One or more sheets of the homogenized star anise material described in this specification may each individually have a tensile strength of 50 N / m to 400 N / m, or preferably 150 N / m to 350 N / m, at the peak in the cross direction. Considering that the sheet thickness affects the tensile strength and that batches of sheets show thickness variations, it may be desirable to normalize the values to a specific sheet thickness.

[0158] One or more sheets described herein may each individually have a tensile strength of 100 N / m to 800 N / m, or preferably 280 N / m to 620 N / m, at the peak in the machine direction and be normalized to a sheet thickness of 215 μm. The machine direction refers to the direction in which the sheet material is wound onto or unwound from a bobbin and fed to a machine, and the cross direction is perpendicular to the machine direction. Such values of tensile strength make the sheets and methods described herein particularly suitable for subsequent operations involving mechanical stress. Providing sheets having the levels of thickness, basis weight, and tensile strength defined above advantageously optimizes the machinability of the sheets for forming an aerosol-generating substrate and ensures that damage such as tearing of the sheets is avoided during high-speed processing of the sheets.

[0159] In embodiments of the invention in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of homogenized star anise material, the sheets are preferably in the form of an assembly of one or more sheets. As used herein, the term "assembly" means that the sheets of homogenized star anise material are wound, folded, or otherwise compressed or contracted in a substantially transverse direction with respect to the cylindrical axis of the plug or rod. The step of "assembling" the sheets can be carried out by any suitable means that provides the necessary transverse compression of the sheets.

[0160] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article. During use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction. The term "transverse direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As used herein, the term "length" refers to the dimension of a component in the longitudinal direction, and the term "width" refers to the dimension of a component in the transverse direction. For example, in the case of a plug or rod having a circular cross-section, the maximum width corresponds to the diameter of the circle.

[0161] As used herein, the term "plug" means a generally cylindrical element having a substantially polygonal, circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. As used herein, the term "rod" refers to a generally cylindrical element having a substantially polygonal cross-section, and preferably a circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. The rod may have a length greater than or equal to the length of the plug. Typically, the rod has a length greater than the length of the plug. The rod may include one or more plugs, preferably aligned in the longitudinal axis direction.

[0162] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative position of an element (or portion of an element) of an aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction in which aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use. The downstream end of the airflow path is the end at which the aerosol is delivered to the user of the article.

[0163] One or more sheets of homogenized star anise material may be assembled in a transverse direction with respect to its longitudinal axis and surrounded by a wrapper to form a continuous rod or plug. The continuous rod may be separated into a plurality of individual rods or plugs. The wrapper may be a paper wrapper or a non-paper wrapper, as described in more detail below.

[0164] Alternatively, one or more sheets of homogenized star anise material may be cut into strands, as mentioned above. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate includes a plurality of strands of homogenized star anise material. The strands may be used to form plugs.

[0165] Typically, the width of such strands is at least about 0.2 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm. Typically, the width of such strands is preferably about 5 mm, or about 4 mm, or about 3 mm, or about 1.5 mm or less. For example, the width of the strands can be from about 0.25 mm to about 5 mm, or from about 0.25 mm to about 3 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm.

[0166] The length of the strand is preferably greater than about 5 mm, for example, about 5 mm to about 15 mm, or about 8 mm to about 12 mm, or about 12 mm. The strands preferably have substantially the same length as each other. The length of the strand may be determined by a manufacturing process in which the rod is cut into shorter plugs, and the length of the strand corresponds to the length of the plug. The strands are fragile and may break, especially during transfer. In such cases, a portion of the length of the strand may be shorter than the length of the plug.

[0167] Preferably, the plurality of strands are aligned along the longitudinal axis and extend substantially along the length of the aerosol generating substrate. Thus, the plurality of strands are preferably aligned substantially parallel to each other. The plurality of longitudinal strands of the aerosol generating material are preferably substantially non-coiled.

[0168] The strands of the homogenized star anise material preferably each have a mass-to-surface area ratio of at least about 0.02 milligrams per square millimeter, more preferably at least about 0.05 milligrams per square millimeter. Preferably, the strands of the homogenized star anise material each have a mass-to-surface area ratio of about 0.2 milligrams per square millimeter or less, more preferably about 0.15 milligrams per square millimeter or less. The mass-to-surface area ratio is calculated by dividing the mass of the strand of the homogenized star anise material in milligrams by the geometric surface area of the strand of the homogenized star anise material in square millimeters.

[0169] One or more sheets of the homogenized star anise material may be textured by curling, embossing, or perforating. The one or more sheets may be textured before being assembled or before being cut into strands. One or more sheets of the homogenized star anise material are preferably curled before assembly so that the homogenized star anise material can be in the form of a curled sheet, more preferably in the form of an assembly of curled sheets. As used herein, the term "curled sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or waveforms aligned in the longitudinal axis direction of a normal article.

[0170] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate may be in the form of a single plug of the aerosol generating substrate. The plug of the aerosol generating substrate preferably may comprise a plurality of strands of the homogenized star anise material. Most preferably, the plug of the aerosol generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of the homogenized star anise material. One or more sheets of the homogenized star anise material are preferably curled so as to have a plurality of ridges or waveforms substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the plug. This process advantageously facilitates assembling the curled sheets of the homogenized star anise material to form a plug. It is preferred that one or more sheets of the homogenized star anise material can be assembled. Of course, the curled sheets of the homogenized star anise material may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or waveforms that form an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the cylindrical axis of the plug. The sheet may be curled to such an extent that the integrity of the sheet is interrupted at the plurality of parallel ridges or waveforms, causing separation of the material and resulting in the formation of fragments, strands or pieces of the homogenized plant material.

[0171] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate includes a first plug containing a first homogenized plant material and a second plug containing a second homogenized plant material, and the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material contain different levels of star anise particles and tobacco particles. At least one of the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material is a homogenized star anise material. For example, the first homogenized plant material may contain from about 50 weight percent to about 95 weight percent star anise particles on a dry weight basis, and the second homogenized plant material may contain from about 50 weight percent to about 95 weight percent tobacco particles on a dry weight basis. Generally, the homogenized star anise material in the aerosol generating substrate contains at least 2.5 weight percent star anise particles and up to 95 weight percent tobacco particles on a dry weight basis.

[0172] Optionally, the first homogenized star anise material may contain at least 60 weight percent star anise particles, and the second homogenized star anise material may contain at least 60 weight percent tobacco particles. Optionally, the first homogenized star anise material may contain at least about 90 weight percent star anise particles, and the second homogenized star anise material may contain at least about 90 weight percent tobacco particles.

[0173] In such an arrangement, the first homogenized plant material preferably includes a first particulate plant material having a higher proportion of star anise particles than the second homogenized plant material. The second homogenized plant material may be a homogenized tobacco material that is substantially free of star anise particles.

[0174] The first homogenized plant material may be in the form of one or more sheets, and the second homogenized plant material may be in the form of one or more sheets.

[0175] Optionally, the aerosol generating substrate may include one or more plugs. The substrate may include a first plug and a second plug, and preferably, the first homogenized plant material may be located within the first plug and the second homogenized plant material may be located within the second plug.

[0176] Two or more plugs may be combined in an end-to-end abutting relationship and extend to form a rod. The two plugs may be positioned in the longitudinal direction with a gap therebetween, thereby creating a cavity within the rod. The plugs may be in any suitable arrangement within the rod.

[0177] For example, in a preferred arrangement, a downstream plug containing a major proportion of star anise particles may abut an upstream plug containing a major proportion of tobacco particles to form a rod. Also contemplated is an alternative configuration where the upstream and downstream positions of each plug, which also contain different proportions of star anise particles and tobacco particles and form a third plug, are altered relative to each other. If two or more plugs are provided, the homogenized plant material may be provided in the same form in each plug or in a different form in each plug, i.e., aggregated or shredded. One or more plugs may optionally be individually or together packaged in a thermally conductive sheet material as described below.

[0178] The first plug may include one or more sheets of the first homogenized plant material, and the second plug may include one or more sheets of the second homogenized plant material. The total length of the plugs may be from about 10 mm to about 40 mm, preferably from about 10 to about 15 mm, more preferably about 12 mm. The first plug and the second plug may be of the same length or may have different lengths. When the first plug and the second plug have the same length, the length of each plug may preferably be from about 6 mm to about 20 mm. The second plug is preferably longer than the first plug in order to provide a desired ratio of tobacco particles to star anise particles in the substrate. Generally, the substrate preferably contains from 0 to 72.5 weight percent of tobacco particles and from 75 to 2.5 weight percent of star anise particles on a dry weight basis. The second plug is preferably at least 40 percent to 50 percent longer than the first plug.

[0179] When the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material are in the form of one or more sheets, the one or more sheets of the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material are preferably an assembly of sheets. The one or more sheets of the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material are preferably crumpled sheets. Of course, all other physical properties described for embodiments in which a single homogenized plant material is present are equally applicable to embodiments in which the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material are present. Further, of course, the description of additives (e.g., binders, lipids, fibers, aerosol formers, wetting agents, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof) for a single homogenized plant material is equally applicable to embodiments in which the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material are present.

[0180] In yet another embodiment of the aerosol generating substrate, the first homogenized plant material is in the form of a first sheet, the second homogenized plant material is in the form of a second sheet, and the second sheet is at least partially on top of the first sheet.

[0181] The first sheet may be a textured sheet and the second sheet may be an untextured sheet.

[0182] Both the first and second sheets may be textured sheets.

[0183] The first sheet may be a textured sheet textured in a different way from the second sheet. For example, the first sheet may be crimped and the second sheet may be perforated. As another alternative, the first sheet may be perforated and the second sheet may be crimped.

[0184] Both the first and second sheets may be crimped sheets that are morphologically different from each other. For example, the second sheet may be crimped with a different number of crimps per unit width of sheet compared to the first sheet.

[0185] The sheets may be assembled to form a plug. The sheets assembled to form the plug may have different physical dimensions. The width and thickness of the sheets may vary.

[0186] There may be a desire to assemble two sheets each having a different thickness or each having a different width. This can vary the physical properties of the plug. This can facilitate the formation of a blended plug of the aerosol generating substrate from sheets of different chemical compositions.

[0187] The first sheet may have a first thickness and the second sheet may have a second thickness that is a multiple of the first thickness, for example, the second sheet may have a thickness that is two or three times the first thickness.

[0188] The first sheet may have a first width and the second sheet may have a second width different from the first width.

[0189] The first and second sheets may be arranged in an overlapping relationship before or when assembled together. The sheets may have the same width and thickness. The sheets may have different thicknesses. The sheets may have different widths. The sheets may be textured differently.

[0190] If it is desirable for both the first and second sheets to be textured, the sheets may be textured simultaneously before being assembled. For example, the sheets may be placed in an overlapping relationship and passed through a texturing means such as a pair of coiling rollers. Suitable apparatus and processes for coiling simultaneously are described with reference to Figure 2 of WO-A-2013 / 178766. In a preferred embodiment, the second sheet of the second homogenized plant material is on top of the first sheet of the first homogenized plant material, and the combined sheets are assembled to form a plug of the aerosol-generating substrate. Optionally, the sheets may be coiled together before assembly to facilitate assembly.

[0191] Alternatively, each sheet may be textured separately and then assembled together into a plug. For example, if the two sheets have different thicknesses, it may be desirable to coil the first sheet differently with respect to the second sheet.

[0192] Of course, all other physical properties described with respect to embodiments in which there is a single, homogenized star anise material are equally applicable to embodiments in which there is a first homogenized plant material and a second homogenized plant material. Further, of course, descriptions of additives (such as binders, lipids, fibers, aerosol formers, wetting agents, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof, etc.) with respect to a single, homogenized star anise material are equally applicable to embodiments in which there is a first homogenized plant material and a second homogenized plant material.

[0193] The homogenized star anise material used in the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention can be produced by various methods including papermaking, casting, agglomerate reconstitution, extrusion, or any other suitable process.

[0194] The homogenized star anise material is preferably in the form of a "cast leaf". The term "cast leaf" is used to refer to a sheet product made by a casting process based on casting a slurry containing plant particles (e.g., star anise particles, or a mixture of tobacco particles and star anise particles) and a binder (e.g., guar gum, etc.) onto a support surface (such as a belt conveyor), drying the slurry, and removing the dried sheet from the support surface. An example of the casting or cast leaf process is described, for example, in US-A-5,724,998 for making cast leaf tobacco. In the cast leaf process, particulate plant material is mixed with a liquid component, typically water, to form a slurry. Other added components in the slurry can include fibers, binders, and aerosol formers. The particulate plant material can be agglomerated in the presence of a binder. The slurry is cast onto a support surface and dried to form a sheet of the homogenized star anise material.

[0195] In certain preferred embodiments, the homogenized star anise material used in the articles according to the present invention is produced by casting. The homogenized star anise material produced by the casting process typically comprises aggregated particulate plant material.

[0196] In the cast leaf process, since substantially all of the soluble fractions are retained within the plant material, most of the flavor is advantageously preserved. Also, energy-intensive papermaking processes are avoided.

[0197] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, to form the homogenized star anise material, a mixture is formed that includes particulate plant material, water, a binder, and an aerosol former. A sheet is formed from the mixture and then the sheet is dried. The mixture is preferably an aqueous mixture. As used herein, "dry weight" refers to the weight of the particulate components other than water relative to the total weight of all components other than water in the mixture, expressed as a percentage. The composition of the aqueous mixture can be referred to by "dry weight percent". This refers to the weight of the components other than water relative to the total weight of the aqueous mixture, expressed as a percentage.

[0198] The mixture may be a slurry. As used herein, a "slurry" is a homogenized aqueous mixture having a relatively low dry weight. The slurry used in the methods herein preferably can have a dry weight of from 5 percent to 60 percent.

[0199] Alternatively, the mixture may be a dough. As used herein, a "dough" is an aqueous mixture having a relatively high dry weight. The dough used in the methods herein preferably can have a dry weight of at least 60 percent, more preferably at least 70 percent.

[0200] Slurries containing a dry weight in excess of 30 percent and dough are preferred in certain embodiments of the methods of the present invention.

[0201] The step of mixing particulate plant material, water, and other optional ingredients can be carried out by any suitable means. For low-viscosity mixtures, i.e., some slurries, the mixing is preferably carried out using a high-energy mixer or a high-shear mixer. Such mixing breaks up the various phases of the mixture and distributes them uniformly. For high-viscosity mixtures, i.e., some soft masses, a kneading process can be used to uniformly distribute the various phases of the mixture.

[0202] The method according to the present invention may further include the step of vibrating the mixture to distribute the various components. Vibrating the mixture, i.e., for example, vibrating a tank or silo in which a homogenized mixture is present, can be useful for homogenizing the mixture, especially when the mixture is a low-viscosity mixture, i.e., some slurries. When vibration is also carried out together with mixing, the mixing time required to homogenize the mixture to an optimal target value for casting may be shorter.

[0203] When the mixture is a slurry, a web of homogenized star anise material is preferably formed by a casting process that includes casting the slurry onto a support surface such as a belt conveyor. The method for producing the homogenized star anise material includes the step of drying the cast web to form a sheet. The cast web may be dried at room temperature or at an ambient temperature of at least about 60 degrees Celsius, more preferably at least about 80 degrees Celsius, for a suitable length of time. The cast web is preferably dried at an ambient temperature not exceeding 200 degrees Celsius, more preferably not exceeding about 160 degrees Celsius. For example, the cast web may be dried at a temperature of about 60 degrees Celsius to about 200 degrees Celsius, or about 80 degrees Celsius to about 160 degrees Celsius. The water content of the sheet after drying is preferably about 5 percent to about 15 percent based on the total weight of the sheet. The sheet may then be removed from the support surface after drying. The cast sheet has a tensile strength such that it can be mechanically manipulated and wound onto or unwound from a bobbin without breaking or deforming.

[0204] If the mixture is in a soft mass, before the step of drying the extruded mixture, the soft mass may be extruded in the form of a sheet, strand, or chip. Preferably, the soft mass can be extruded in the form of a sheet. The extruded mixture may be dried at room temperature or at a temperature of at least about 60 degrees Celsius, more preferably at least about 80 degrees Celsius, for a suitable length of time. The cast web is preferably dried at an ambient temperature not exceeding about 200 degrees Celsius, more preferably not exceeding about 160 degrees Celsius. For example, the cast web may be dried at a temperature of about 60 degrees Celsius to about 200 degrees Celsius, or about 80 degrees Celsius to about 160 degrees Celsius. The water content of the dried extruded mixture is preferably about 5 percent to about 15 percent based on the total weight of the sheet. As a result of a significantly lower water content for the web formed from the slurry, the sheet formed from the soft mass requires less drying time and / or a lower drying temperature.

[0205] After drying the sheet, the method may optionally include the step of coating the sheet with a nicotine salt, preferably together with an aerosol former, as described in the disclosure of WO-A-2015 / 082652.

[0206] After drying the sheet, the method according to the invention may optionally include the step of cutting the sheet into strands, pieces or chips for the formation of the aerosol-generating substrate described above. The strands, pieces or chips may be joined together using suitable means to form a rod of the aerosol-generating substrate. In the formed rod of the aerosol-generating substrate, the strands, pieces or chips may be substantially aligned, for example, in the longitudinal axis direction of the rod. Alternatively, the strands, pieces or chips may be randomly oriented within the rod.

[0207] The method according to the invention may optionally further include the step of winding the sheet onto a bobbin after the drying step.

[0208] The present invention further provides an alternative papermaking method for producing a sheet of homogenized star anise material in the form of "plant paper".

[0209] Plant paper refers to a reconstituted plant sheet formed by a process of extracting a plant raw material with a solvent to produce an extract of soluble plant compounds and an insoluble residue of fibrous plant material, and recombining the extract with the insoluble residue. The extract may optionally be concentrated or further processed before being recombined with the insoluble residue. The insoluble residue may optionally be purified and combined with additional plant fibers before being recombined with the extract. In the method according to the present invention, the plant raw material includes star anise particles, optionally combined with tobacco particles.

[0210] More specifically, the method for producing plant paper includes a first step of mixing plant material and water to form a diluted suspension. The diluted suspension mainly comprises discrete cellulose fibers. The suspension has a lower viscosity and a higher water content than the slurry produced by a casting process. This first step may optionally involve immersion in the presence of an alkali such as sodium hydroxide and optionally application of heat.

[0211] The method further includes a second step of separating the suspension into an insoluble portion containing the insoluble residue of the fibrous plant material and a liquid or aqueous portion containing the soluble plant compounds. The water remaining in the insoluble residue of the fibrous plant material may be drained through a screen acting as a sieve, and a web of randomly woven fibers may be placed. Optionally, with the assistance of suction or vacuum and pressing with a roller, the water may be further removed from this web.

[0212] After removing the aqueous portion and the water, the insoluble residue is formed into a sheet. Preferably, a generally flat and uniform sheet of plant fibers is formed.

[0213] The method preferably further comprises the step of concentrating an extract of soluble plant compounds removed from the sheet and adding the concentrated extract to a sheet of insoluble fibrous plant material and homogenizing to form a sheet of star anise material. As another method, or additionally, soluble plant substances or concentrated plant substances from another process may be added to the sheet. The extract or the concentrated extract may be from another variety of the same plant species or from another plant species.

[0214] This process has been used in tobacco to produce a reconstituted tobacco product, also known as tobacco paper, as described in US-A-3,860,012. The same process can be used with one or more plants to produce a paper-like sheet material such as a sheet of star anise paper.

[0215] In certain preferred embodiments, the homogenized star anise material used in the articles according to the invention is produced by the papermaking process defined above. In such embodiments, the homogenized star anise material is in the form of star anise paper.

[0216] The homogenized tobacco material or the homogenized star anise material produced by such a process is referred to as tobacco paper or star anise paper. The homogenized plant material produced by the papermaking process is distinguishable by the presence of a plurality of fibers throughout the material visible to the eye or under a light frontal microscope, especially when the paper is wetted by water. In contrast, the homogenized plant material produced by the casting process contains fewer fibers than paper and tends to separate into a slurry when wetted. Mixed star anise paper refers to the homogenized plant material produced by such a process using a mixture of tobacco material and star anise material.

[0217] In embodiments where the aerosol - generating substrate comprises a combination of star anise particles and tobacco particles, the aerosol - generating substrate can comprise one or more sheets of star anise paper and one or more sheets of tobacco paper. The sheets of star anise paper and tobacco paper may be alternately arranged or stacked on top of each other before being assembled to form a rod. Optionally, the sheets may be crimped. Alternatively, the sheets of star anise paper and tobacco paper may be cut into strands, strips, or pieces and then combined to form a rod. The relative amounts of tobacco and star anise in the aerosol - generating substrate can be adjusted by varying the respective number of tobacco and star anise sheets, or the respective amounts of star anise and tobacco strands, strips or pieces within the rod.

[0218] For example, the number or amount of tobacco and star anise sheets or strands may be adjusted to provide a ratio of star anise to tobacco of about 1:4, or about 1:9, or about 1:30.

[0219] Other known processes applicable to the manufacture of homogenized plant material are, for example, the slug - reconstitution process of the type described in US - A - 3,894,544, and the extrusion process of the type described in, for example, GB - A - 983,928. Generally, the density of the homogenized plant material produced by the extrusion process and the slug - reconstitution process is greater than the density of the homogenized plant material produced by the casting process.

[0220] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the homogenized star anise material is in the form of a gel composition formed from star anise particles, an aerosol former, and a binder.

[0221] When the homogenized star anise material is in the form of a gel composition containing star anise particles, the binder preferably includes a cellulose ether such as carboxymethyl cellulose. The binder may be present in an amount of about 1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent based on the total weight of the gel. For example, the gel composition may include 1.5 weight percent to 3.5 weight percent of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0222] The gel composition preferably includes at least about 60 weight percent of an aerosol former such as glycerin based on the total weight of the gel. For example, the gel composition may include 65 weight percent to 85 weight percent of glycerin.

[0223] Optionally, the gel composition may further include an acid such as lactic acid. The acid may be present in an amount of up to about 6 weight percent based on the total weight of the gel composition. Optionally, the gel composition may include up to about 5 weight percent of nicotine based on the total weight of the gel composition. Optionally, the gel composition includes about 10 weight percent to about 30 weight percent of water based on the total weight of the gel composition.

[0224] In embodiments where the homogenized star anise material is in the form of a gel composition, the aerosol generating substrate preferably includes a porous medium loaded with the gel composition. The term "porous" is used herein to refer to a material that provides a plurality of pores or openings that allow air to pass through the material.

[0225] The porous medium may be any suitable porous material capable of holding or retaining the gel composition. Ideally, the porous medium should be capable of allowing the gel composition to move therein. In certain embodiments, the porous medium includes natural materials, synthetic, or semi-synthetic, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the porous medium includes sheet materials, foams, or fibers, such as hemp fibers, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the porous medium includes woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, or extrudates, or combinations thereof. The porous medium preferably includes cotton, paper, viscose, PLA, or cellulose acetate, or combinations thereof. The porous medium preferably includes a sheet material, such as cotton or cellulose acetate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the porous medium includes a sheet made from cotton fibers.

[0226] The porous medium used in the present invention may be crimped or shredded. In a preferred embodiment, the porous medium is crimped. In an alternative embodiment, the porous medium includes shredded porous medium. The crimping or shredding process can be performed before or after loading the gel composition.

[0227] When the homogenized star anise material is in the form of a gel composition loaded onto the porous medium, the aerosol generating substrate preferably includes an elongated susceptor element extending in the longitudinal direction through or adjacent to the porous medium.

[0228] The aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention preferably includes at least about 200 mg of homogenized plant material, more preferably at least about 250 mg of homogenized plant material, and even more preferably at least about 300 mg of homogenized plant material.

[0229] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention includes a rod containing an aerosol-generating substrate on one or more plugs. The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of about 5 mm to about 120 mm. For example, the rod may preferably have a length of about 10 to about 45 mm, more preferably about 10 mm to 15 mm, and most preferably about 12 mm.

[0230] In an alternative embodiment, the rod preferably has a length of about 30 mm to about 45 mm, or about 33 mm to about 41 mm. When the rod is formed from a single plug of the aerosol-generating substrate, the plug has the same length as the rod.

[0231] The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 10 mm depending on their intended use. For example, in some embodiments, the rod may have an outer diameter of about 5.5 mm to about 8 mm, or about 6.5 mm to about 8 mm. The "outer diameter" of the rod of the aerosol-generating substrate corresponds to the diameter of the rod including any wrapper.

[0232] The rod of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention is preferably surrounded by one or more wrappers along at least a portion of its length. The one or more wrappers may include a paper wrapper or a non-paper wrapper, or both. Suitable paper wrappers for use in particular embodiments of the present invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cigarette papers and filter plug wraps. Suitable wrappers other than paper for use in particular embodiments of the present invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, sheets of homogenized tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco wrapper is particularly suitable for use in embodiments where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of homogenized star anise material formed of particulate plant material, the particulate plant material containing star anise particles in combination with a low weight percentage of tobacco particles, such as 20 weight percent to 0 weight percent tobacco particles based on dry weight.

[0233] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate is surrounded along at least a portion of its length by a thermally conductive sheet material such as a metal foil, for example, an aluminum foil or metallized paper. The metal foil or metallized paper serves the purpose of rapidly conducting heat across the entire aerosol generating substrate. Further, the metal foil or metallized paper can serve to prevent ignition of the aerosol generating substrate if a consumer attempts to ignite it. Further, during use, the metal foil or metallized paper can prevent odors generated with the heating of the outer wrapper from entering the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate. For example, this can be a problem for aerosol generating articles having an aerosol generating substrate that is heated externally during use to generate the aerosol. Alternatively, or additionally, the metallized wrapper can be used to facilitate detection or recognition of the aerosol generating article when inserted into the aerosol generating device during use. The metal foil or metallized paper may include metal particles such as iron particles.

[0234] One or more wrappers surrounding the aerosol generating substrate preferably have an overall thickness of from about 0.1 mm to about 0.9 mm.

[0235] The inner diameter of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate is preferably from about 3 mm to about 9.5 mm, more preferably from about 4 mm to about 7.5 mm, still more preferably from about 5 mm to about 7.5 mm. "Inner diameter" corresponds to the diameter of the rod of the aerosol generating substrate, which does not include the thickness of the wrapper, but is still measured with the wrapper in place.

[0236] The aerosol generating article according to the present invention also includes, but is not limited to, cartridges or shisha consumables.

[0237] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may optionally include a support element that includes at least one hollow tube immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. One function of the tube is to position the aerosol-generating substrate towards the distal end of the aerosol-generating article such that the heating element can be in contact with it. The tube acts to prevent the aerosol-generating substrate from being forced along the aerosol-generating article towards other downstream elements when the heating element is inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate. The tube also acts as a spacer element to separate the downstream element from the aerosol-generating substrate. The tube can be made of any material such as cellulose acetate, polymer, cardboard, or paper.

[0238] As an alternative or additional to the support element, the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may optionally include an aerosol cooling element downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate and immediately downstream of the hollow tube forming the support element. In use, the aerosol formed by the volatile compound released from the aerosol-generating substrate passes through and is cooled by the aerosol cooling element before being inhaled by the user. The lower temperature allows the vapor to condense into the aerosol. The aerosol cooling element may be a hollow tube such as a hollow cellulose acetate tube or a cardboard tube that may be similar to the support element immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol cooling element may be a hollow tube having an outer diameter equal to, smaller than, or larger than the cellulose acetate tube of the hollow tube of the support element and having an inner diameter that is smaller than that of the cellulose acetate tube of the hollow tube of the support element.

[0239] In one embodiment, the aerosol cooling element wrapped in paper comprises one or more longitudinal channels made of any suitable material, such as metal foil, paper laminated with foil, preferably a polymer sheet made of a synthetic polymer, and substantially non-porous paper or cardboard. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element wrapped in paper may include one or more sheets made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), paper laminated with a polymer sheet, and aluminum foil. Alternatively, the aerosol cooling element may be made of woven fibers or non-woven filaments of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), and cellulose acetate (CA). In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element is a crimped and assembled polylactic acid sheet wrapped within filter paper. In another preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element includes longitudinal channels and is made of woven filaments of a synthetic polymer, such as polylactic acid filaments wrapped in paper.

[0240] One or more additional hollow tubes may be provided downstream of the aerosol cooling element.

[0241] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may further comprise a filter or a mouthpiece downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate and, if present, a support element and an aerosol cooling element. The filter may comprise one or more filter materials for removing particulate components, gaseous components, or combinations thereof. Suitable filter materials are known in the art and include, for example, fibrous filter materials such as cellulose acetate tow, and adsorbents such as paper, for example activated alumina, zeolite, molecular sieves, and silica gel, biodegradable polymers including, for example, polylactic acid (PLA), Matabi (registered trademark), hydrophobic viscose fibers, and bioplastics, and combinations thereof, but are not limited thereto. The filter may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. In one embodiment, the filter is about 7 mm in length, but may have a length of about 5 mm to about 10 mm. The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may include a mouth-side end cavity at the downstream end of the article. The mouth-side end cavity may be defined by one or more wrappers extending downstream from the filter or mouthpiece. Alternatively, the mouth-side end cavity may be defined by a separate tubular element provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0242] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention preferably further comprises a ventilation zone provided at a location along the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be provided at a location along a hollow tube provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0243] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may optionally further comprise an upstream element at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. The upstream element may be a porous plug element such as a plug of a fibrous filter material such as cellulose acetate.

[0244] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol-generating article includes an aerosol-generating substrate, at least one hollow tube downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, and a filter downstream of the at least one hollow tube. Optionally, the aerosol-generating article further includes a mouth-end cavity at the downstream end of the filter. Optionally, the aerosol-generating article further includes an upstream element at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. The ventilation zone is preferably provided at a location along the at least one hollow tube.

[0245] In a particularly preferred embodiment having this arrangement, the aerosol-generating article includes an aerosol-generating substrate, an upstream element at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate, a support element downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-cooling element downstream of the support element, and a filter downstream of the aerosol-cooling element. Both the support element and the aerosol-cooling element are preferably in the form of hollow tubes. The aerosol-generating substrate preferably includes an elongated susceptor element extending in the longitudinal direction through the substrate.

[0246] In one particularly preferred example, the aerosol-generating substrate has a length of about 33 mm and an outer diameter of about 5.5 mm to 6.7 mm, the aerosol-generating substrate includes about 340 mg of homogenized star anise material in the form of a plurality of strands, and the homogenized star anise material includes about 14 weight percent glycerol on a dry weight basis. In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of about 74 mm and includes a cellulose acetate tow filter having a length of about 10 mm, as well as a mouth-end cavity defined by a hollow tube having a length of about 6 - 7 mm. The aerosol-generating article includes a hollow tube downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, the hollow tube having a length of about 25 mm and a ventilation zone provided.

[0247] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may have an overall length of at least about 30 mm, or at least about 40 mm. The overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than 90 mm, or less than about 80 mm.

[0248] In one embodiment, the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is from about 40 mm to about 50 mm, preferably about 45 mm. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of from about 70 mm to about 90 mm, preferably from about 80 mm to about 85 mm. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of from about 72 mm to about 76 mm, preferably about 74 mm.

[0249] The aerosol-generating article can have an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 8 mm, preferably from about 6 mm to about 8 mm. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of about 7.3 mm.

[0250] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may further comprise one or more aerosol-modifying elements. The aerosol-modifying element can provide an aerosol modifier. As used herein, the term aerosol modifier is used to describe any substance that modifies one or more characteristics or properties of an aerosol passing through a filter during use. Suitable aerosol modifiers include, but are not limited to, agents that impart taste or aroma to the aerosol passing through the filter during use, or agents that remove flavor from the aerosol passing through the filter during use.

[0251] The aerosol modifier can be one or more of moisture or a liquid flavorant. Water or moisture can, for example, modify the user's sensory experience by wetting the generated aerosol, which can provide a cooling effect to the aerosol and reduce the perception of harshness experienced by the user. The aerosol-modifying element can be in the form of a flavor-delivery element for delivering one or more liquid flavorants. Alternatively, the liquid flavorant can be added directly to the homogenized star anise material, for example, by adding the flavor to the slurry or raw material during the manufacture of the homogenized star anise material, or by spraying the liquid flavorant onto the surface of the homogenized star anise material.

[0252] One or more liquid flavorants can include any flavor compound or plant extract suitable for placement in a flavor delivery element in a liquid form to enhance the taste of the aerosol produced during use of the aerosol-generating article. The liquid or solid flavorant can also be placed directly on a material forming a filter such as cellulose acetate tow. Suitable flavors or flavorants include, but are not limited to, menthol, mint (such as peppermint and Dutch mint), chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavors, γ-octalactone, vanilla, ethylvanillin, bad breath deodorizing flavors, spice flavors (such as cinnamon), methyl salicylate, linalool, eugenol, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, cannabis oil, and tobacco flavors. Other suitable flavors can include flavor compounds selected from the group consisting of acids, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, combinations thereof, or blends thereof, and the like.

[0253] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol modifier can be an essential oil derived from one or more plants. For example, a homogenized star anise material can include star anise oil, such as star anise essential oil, to further enhance the star anise flavor delivered to the consumer upon heating.

[0254] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol-generating substrate can include a homogenized plant material that includes a combination of particulate plant material, such as tea particles, and star anise oil.

[0255] The aerosol modifier can be an adsorbent material, such as activated carbon, that removes specific components of the aerosol passing through the filter, thereby changing the flavor and aroma of the aerosol.

[0256] One or more aerosol modifying elements may be located downstream of the aerosol generating substrate or within the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may include a homogenized star anise material and an aerosol modifying element. In various embodiments, the aerosol modifying element may be disposed adjacent to the homogenized star anise material or embedded in the homogenized star anise material. Typically, the aerosol modifying element is downstream of the aerosol generating substrate, most typically within an aerosol cooling element, within a filter of the aerosol generating article, for example, within a filter plug or within a cavity, preferably within a cavity between filter plugs. The one or more aerosol modifying elements may be in one or more forms of a thread, a capsule, a microcapsule, a bead or a polymeric matrix material, or a combination thereof.

[0257] When the aerosol modifying element is in the form of a thread, as described in WO-A-2011 / 060961, the thread may be formed from paper such as a filter plug wrap, and the thread may be loaded with at least one aerosol modifier and located within the body of the filter. Other materials that can be used to form the thread include cellulose acetate and cotton.

[0258] When the aerosol modifying element is in the form of a capsule, as described in WO-A-2007 / 010407, WO-A-2013 / 068100 and WO-A-2014 / 154887, the capsule may be a fragile capsule located within the filter, and the inner core of the capsule contains an aerosol modifier that can be released upon breakage of the outer shell of the capsule when the filter is subjected to an external force. The capsule may be located within a filter plug or within a cavity, or within a cavity between filter plugs.

[0259] When the aerosol modifying element is in the form of a polymer matrix material, the polymer matrix material releases a flavorant when the aerosol generating article is heated, such as when the polymer matrix is heated above the melting point of the polymer matrix material, as described in WO-A-2013 / 034488. Typically, such polymer matrix materials can be located within beads in the aerosol generating substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the flavorant may be trapped within domains of the polymer matrix material and releasable from the polymer matrix material upon compression of the polymer matrix material. The flavorant is preferably released upon compression of the polymer matrix material with a force of about 15 Newtons. Such flavor modifying elements can provide for a sustained release of the liquid flavorant over a range of forces of at least 5 Newtons, such as 5 N to 20 N, as described in WO-A-2013 / 068304. Typically, such polymer matrix materials can be located within beads in the filter.

[0260] The aerosol generating article may comprise a combustible heat source and an aerosol generating substrate downstream of the combustible heat source, and the aerosol generating substrate is as described above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0261] For example, the substrates described herein can be used in heated aerosol generating articles of the type disclosed in WO-A-2009 / 022232, which comprise a combustible carbon-based heat source, an aerosol generating substrate downstream of the combustible heat source, and a thermally conductive element surrounding and in contact with the rear portion of the combustible carbon-based heat source and the adjacent front portion of the aerosol generating substrate. However, of course, the substrates described herein can also be used in heated aerosol generating articles comprising combustible heat sources having other configurations.

[0262] The present invention provides an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device including a heating element and an aerosol generating article for use with the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article including the aerosol generating substrate described above.

[0263] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate described herein can be used in a heated aerosol generating article for use in an electrically operated aerosol generating system in which the aerosol generating substrate of the heated aerosol generating article is heated by an electrical heat source.

[0264] For example, the aerosol generating substrate described herein can be used in a heated aerosol generating article of the type disclosed in EP-A-0 822 760.

[0265] The heating element of such an aerosol generating device can be in any suitable form that conducts heat. Heating of the aerosol generating substrate can be achieved from the inside, from the outside, or from both. Preferably, the heating element can be a heater blade or pin adapted to be inserted into the substrate such that the substrate is heated from the inside. Alternatively, the heating element can partially or completely surround the substrate and circumferentially heat the substrate from the outside.

[0266] The aerosol generating system can be an electrically operated aerosol generating system comprising an induction heating device. The induction heating device typically includes an induction source configured to be coupled to a susceptor, which can be provided external to or within the aerosol generating substrate. The induction source generates an alternating electromagnetic field that induces magnetization or eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor can be heated as a result of hysteresis losses or induced eddy currents, which heat the susceptor through ohmic heating or resistive heating.

[0267] An electrically operated aerosol generating system comprising an induction heating device also comprises an aerosol generating article having an aerosol generating substrate and a susceptor in thermal proximity to the aerosol generating substrate. Typically, the susceptor is in direct contact with the aerosol generating substrate and heat is transferred from the susceptor to the aerosol generating substrate mainly by conduction. Examples of electrically operated aerosol generating systems having an induction heating device and an aerosol generating article having a susceptor are described in WO-A1-95 / 27411 and WO-A1-2015 / 177255.

[0268] The susceptor may be a plurality of susceptor particles deposited on or embedded within the aerosol generating substrate. If the aerosol generating substrate is in the form of one or more sheets, the plurality of susceptor particles may be deposited on or embedded within the one or more sheets. The susceptor particles are, for example, fixed in place by the substrate in sheet form and remain in their initial position. Preferably, the susceptor particles can be uniformly distributed within the homogenized star anise material of the aerosol generating substrate. Due to the particulate nature of the susceptor, heat is generated according to the distribution of the particles within the homogenized star anise material sheet of the substrate. Alternatively, a susceptor in the form of one or more sheets, strips, fragments, or rods may also be positioned adjacent to the homogenized star anise material or used as being embedded within the homogenized star anise material. In one embodiment, the aerosol forming substrate comprises one or more susceptor strips. For example, the rod of the aerosol generating substrate may include an elongate susceptor element extending axially through the substrate. In another embodiment, the susceptor is present within the aerosol generating device.

[0269] The susceptor can have a heat loss greater than 0.05 joules per kilogram, preferably greater than 0.1 joules per kilogram. Heat loss is the capacity of the susceptor to transfer heat to the surrounding material. Since it is preferred that the susceptor particles are uniformly distributed within the aerosol generating substrate, uniform heat loss from the susceptor particles is achieved, and thus a uniform heat distribution within the aerosol generating substrate occurs, which can result in a uniform temperature distribution within the aerosol generating article. A specific minimum heat loss of 0.05 joules per kilogram in the susceptor particles has been found to enable heating the aerosol generating substrate to a substantially uniform temperature and provide aerosol generation. In such embodiments, the average temperature reached within the aerosol generating substrate is preferably from about 200 degrees Celsius to about 240 degrees Celsius.

[0270] Reduction of the risk of overheating of the aerosol generating substrate may be supported by the use of a susceptor material having a Curie temperature, which allows the heating process due to hysteresis losses to reach only a certain maximum temperature. The susceptor can have a Curie temperature of from about 200 degrees Celsius to about 450 degrees Celsius, preferably from about 240 degrees Celsius to about 400 degrees Celsius, for example about 280 degrees Celsius. When the susceptor material reaches its Curie temperature, its magnetic properties change. The susceptor material changes from a ferromagnetic phase to a paramagnetic phase at the Curie temperature. At this point, heating based on energy loss due to the orientation of the ferromagnetic regions stops. Thereafter, further heating is mainly based on the formation of eddy currents such that the heating process is automatically reduced when the Curie temperature of the susceptor material is reached. The susceptor material and its Curie temperature are preferably adapted to the composition of the aerosol generating substrate in order to achieve an optimal temperature and temperature distribution within the aerosol generating substrate for optimal aerosol generation.

[0271] In some preferred embodiments of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, the susceptor is made of ferrite. Ferrite is a ferromagnetic material with high magnetic permeability and is particularly suitable as a susceptor material. The main component of ferrite is iron. Other metal components (e.g., zinc, nickel, manganese) or non-metal components (e.g., silicon) may be present in various amounts. Ferrite is a relatively inexpensive commercially available material. Ferrite is available in particulate form within the size range of the particles used in the particulate plant material that forms the homogenized star anise material according to the present invention. The particles are preferably fully sintered ferrite powders such as FP160, FP215, FP350, etc. by PPT (Indiana, USA).

[0272] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol generation substrate as defined above, a source of aerosol-forming material, and means for vaporizing the aerosol-forming material, preferably a heating element as described above. The source of aerosol-forming material can be a refillable or replaceable reservoir that is present on the aerosol generation device. The reservoir is physically separated from the aerosol-generating article, and the generated vapor is directed through the aerosol-generating article. The vapor contacts the aerosol generation substrate, which releases volatile compounds such as nicotine and flavorants in the particulate plant material to form an aerosol. Optionally, to assist in the volatilization of the compounds within the aerosol generation substrate, the aerosol generation system may further comprise a heating element, preferably tuned to the aerosol-forming material, for heating the aerosol generation substrate. However, in certain embodiments, the heating element used to heat the aerosol-generating article is separated from the heater that heats the aerosol-forming material.

[0273] As defined above, the present invention further provides an aerosol generated upon heating of the aerosol generation substrate, the aerosol comprising a specific amount and ratio of characteristic compounds derived from the star anise particles as defined above.

[0274] According to the present invention, the aerosol comprises at least 0.4 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, at least 0.2 micrograms of epoxyanethole per puff of the aerosol, and at least 0.1 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol. For the purposes of the present invention, "puff" is defined as the volume of aerosol released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating and collected for analysis, and a puff of the aerosol has a puff volume of 55 milliliters generated by a smoking machine. Thus, any reference herein to a "puff" of the aerosol is understood to refer to a 55-milliliter puff, unless otherwise stated.

[0275] The ranges shown define the total amount of each component measured in a 55-milliliter puff of the aerosol. The aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating substrate using any suitable means and, in order to identify the characteristic compounds within the aerosol and measure their amounts, may be confined and analyzed as described above. For example, a "puff" may correspond to a 55-milliliter puff measured with a smoking machine such as that used in the Health Canada test method described herein.

[0276] The aerosol according to the present invention preferably contains at least about 1 microgram of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, more preferably contains at least about 2 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably contains at least about 5 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate contains at most about 15 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, preferably contains at most about 12 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, and more preferably contains at most about 10 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate may contain about 0.4 micrograms to about 15 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, or about 1 microgram to about 12 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, or about 2 micrograms to about 10 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol.

[0277] The aerosol according to the present invention preferably contains at least about 0.5 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, more preferably contains at least about 1 microgram of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably contains at least about 2 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate contains at most about 10 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, preferably contains at most about 8 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, and more preferably contains at most about 6 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate may contain from about 0.2 micrograms to about 10 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, or from about 0.5 micrograms to about 8 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, or from about 1 microgram to about 6 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, or from about 2 micrograms to about 6 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol.

[0278] The aerosol according to the present invention preferably contains at least about 0.1 microgram of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol, more preferably contains at least about 0.25 microgram of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably contains at least about 0.5 microgram of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate contains at most about 5 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol per puff of the aerosol, preferably contains at most about 3.5 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol, and more preferably contains at most about 2 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate may contain about 0.1 microgram to about 5 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol, or about 0.25 microgram to about 3.5 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol, or about 0.5 microgram to about 2 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol, or about 5 micrograms to about 10 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol.

[0279] According to the present invention, the aerosol composition is such that the amount of (E)-anethole per puff is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per puff. Therefore, the ratio of (E)-anethole to epoxy anethole in the aerosol is 5:1 or less.

[0280] The amount of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol is preferably 3 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol so that the ratio of (E)-anethole to epoxy anethole in the aerosol is 3:1 or less. The amount of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol is more preferably 2 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol so that the ratio of (E)-anethole to epoxy anethole in the aerosol is 2:1 or less.

[0281] According to the present invention, the aerosol composition is such that the amount of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol is 10 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol. Therefore, the ratio of (E)-anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether in the aerosol is 10:1 or less.

[0282] The amount of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol is preferably 8 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol so that the ratio of (E)-anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether in the aerosol is 8:1 or less. The amount of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol is more preferably 6 times or less the amount of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol so that the ratio of (E)-anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether in the aerosol is 6:1 or less.

[0283] The ratio of epoxy anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether in the aerosol is preferably about 4:1 to 1:1.

[0284] (E)-Anethole and defined ratios of epoxy anethole and benzyl isoeugenol ether characterize the aerosol derived from star anise particles. In contrast, in the aerosol produced from star anise oil, the ratio of (E)-anethole to epoxy anethole, and the ratio of (E)-anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether to (E)-anethole will be significantly higher. This is due to the relatively high proportion of (E)-anethole in star anise oil compared to star anise plant material. Furthermore, the levels of epoxy anethole and benzyl isoeugenol ether in star anise oil are zero or nearly zero.

[0285] The aerosol according to the present invention preferably further comprises at least about 0.1 milligram of aerosol former per puff of the aerosol, more preferably further comprises at least about 0.2 milligram of aerosol per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably further comprises at least about 0.3 milligram of aerosol former per puff of the aerosol. The aerosol preferably contains up to 0.6 milligrams of aerosol former per puff of the aerosol, more preferably contains up to 0.5 milligrams of aerosol former per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably contains up to 0.4 milligrams of aerosol former per puff of the aerosol. For example, the aerosol can contain from about 0.1 milligram to about 0.6 milligrams of aerosol former per puff of the aerosol, or from about 0.2 milligrams to about 0.5 milligrams of aerosol former per puff of the aerosol, or from about 0.3 milligrams to about 0.4 milligrams of aerosol former per puff of the aerosol. These values are based on a puff volume of 55 milliliters as defined above.

[0286] Suitable aerosol formers for use in the present invention are as described above.

[0287] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generation substrate according to the present invention preferably further contains at least about 2 micrograms of nicotine per puff of the aerosol, more preferably at least about 20 micrograms of nicotine per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably at least about 40 micrograms of nicotine per puff of the aerosol. The aerosol preferably contains at most about 200 micrograms of nicotine per puff of the aerosol, more preferably at most about 150 micrograms of nicotine per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably at most about 75 micrograms of nicotine per puff of the aerosol. For example, the aerosol may contain from about 2 micrograms to about 200 micrograms of nicotine per puff of the aerosol, or from about 20 micrograms to about 150 micrograms of nicotine per puff of the aerosol, or from about 40 micrograms to about 75 micrograms of nicotine per puff of the aerosol. These values are based on a puff volume of 55 milliliters as defined above. In some embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol may contain zero micrograms of nicotine.

[0288] Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol according to the present invention may optionally further contain at least about 0.5 milligrams of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol, more preferably further contain at least about 1 milligram of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably further contain at least about 2 milligrams of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol. The aerosol preferably contains up to about 5 milligrams of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol, more preferably contains up to about 4 milligrams of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably contains up to about 3 milligrams of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol. For example, the aerosol may contain from about 0.5 milligrams to about 5 milligrams of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol, or from about 1 milligram to about 4 milligrams of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol, or from about 2 milligrams to about 3 milligrams of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol. In some embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol may contain zero micrograms of a cannabinoid compound. These values are based on a puff volume of 55 milliliters as defined above.

[0289] The cannabinoid compound is preferably selected from CBD and THC. More preferably, the cannabinoid compound is CBD.

[0290] Also, carbon monoxide may be present in the aerosol according to the present invention and may be measured and used to further characterize the aerosol. Oxides of nitrogen such as nitrogen oxides and nitrogen dioxide may also be present in the aerosol and may be measured and used to further characterize the aerosol.

[0291] The aerosol according to the present invention containing characteristic compounds from star anise particles can be formed from particles having an aerodynamic median particle diameter (MMAD) in the range of about 0.01 to 200 microns, or about 1 to 100 microns. When the aerosol contains nicotine as described above, the aerosol preferably contains particles having an MMAD in the range of about 0.1 to about 3 microns in order to optimize the delivery of nicotine from the aerosol.

[0292] The aerodynamic median particle diameter (MMAD) of the aerosol refers to the particle mechanical diameter in which half of the particulate mass of the aerosol is occupied by particles having an aerodynamic diameter larger than the MMAD and half is occupied by particles having an aerodynamic diameter smaller than the MMAD. The aerodynamic diameter is defined as the diameter of a spherical particle having a density of 1 g / cm 3 and having the same sedimentation rate as the particle to be characterized.

[0293] The aerodynamic median particle diameter of the aerosol according to the present invention can be determined according to Schaller et al., “Evaluation of the Tobacco Heating System 2.2. Section 2.8, Part II: Chemical composition, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and physical properties of the aerosol,” Regul. Toxicol. and Pharmacol., 81 (2016) S27 - S47.

[0294] Specific embodiments will be further described by way of illustration only with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0295]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0296] Figure 1 illustrates a heated aerosol generating article 1000 comprising a substrate described herein. The article 1000 includes four elements: an aerosol generating substrate 1020, a hollow cellulose acetate tube 1030, a spacer element 1040, and a mouthpiece filter 1050. These four elements are arranged coaxially in sequence and assembled by cigarette paper 1060 to form the aerosol generating article 1000. The article 1000 has a mouth-side end 1012, which a user inserts into their mouth during use, and a distal end 1013, which is located at the end of the article opposite the mouth-side end 1012. The illustrated embodiment of the aerosol generating article in Figure 1 is particularly suitable for use in an electrically operated aerosol generating device comprising a heater for heating the aerosol generating substrate.

[0297] When assembled, the article 1000 has a length of about 45 millimeters and has an outer diameter of about 7.2 millimeters and an inner diameter of about 6.9 millimeters.

[0298] The aerosol generating substrate 1020 includes, alone or in combination with tobacco particles, a plug formed from a sheet of homogenized star anise material containing star anise particles. Some examples of suitable homogenized star anise materials for forming the aerosol generating substrate 1020 are shown in Table 1 below (see Samples A - D). The sheets are assembled, crimped, and wound with a filter paper (not shown) to form a plug. The sheet includes an additive containing glycerin as an aerosol former.

[0299] The aerosol generating article 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1 is designed to engage with an aerosol generating device for consumption. Such an aerosol generating device includes means for heating the aerosol generating substrate 1020 to a sufficient temperature to form an aerosol. Generally, the aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element surrounding the aerosol generating article 1000 adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate 1020, or a heating element inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 1020.

[0300] When engaged with the aerosol generating device, the user sucks on the mouth - side end 1012 of the smoking article 1000 and the aerosol generating substrate 1020 is heated to a temperature of about 375 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol generating substrate 1020. These compounds condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn through the filter 1050 and into the user's mouth.

[0301] Figure 2 illustrates a part of an electrically - operated aerosol - generating system 2000 that utilizes a heating blade 2100 for heating an aerosol - generating substrate 1020 of an aerosol - generating article 1000. The heating blade is mounted within an aerosol - article receiving chamber of an electrically - operated aerosol - generating device 2010. The aerosol - generating device defines a plurality of air holes 2050 for allowing air to flow to the aerosol - generating article 1000. The air flow is indicated by the arrows in Figure 2. The aerosol - generating device includes a power source and electronic components, which are not shown in Figure 2. The aerosol - generating article 1000 in Figure 2 is as described with respect to Figure 1.

[0302] In an alternative configuration shown in Figure 3, the aerosol - generating system is shown with a combustible heat source. The article 1000 in Figure 1 is intended to be consumed in combination with the aerosol - generating device, while the article 1001 in Figure 3 includes a combustible heat source 1080 that can be ignited to transfer heat to the aerosol - generating substrate 1020 to form an inhalable aerosol. The combustible heat source 80 can be a charcoal element assembled proximate to the aerosol - generating substrate at the distal end 13 of the rod 11. Elements essentially the same as those in Figure 1 are given the same numbers.

[0303] Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate a second embodiment of the heated aerosol generating articles 4000a, 4000b. The aerosol generating substrates 4020a, 4020b include a first downstream plug 4021 formed from particulate plant material mainly comprising star anise particles and a second upstream plug 4022 formed from particulate plant material mainly comprising tobacco particles. A homogenized plant material suitable for use in the first downstream plug is shown as Sample A in Table 1 below. A homogenized tobacco material suitable for use in the second upstream plug is shown as Sample E in Table 1 below. Sample E contains only tobacco particles and is included for comparison purposes only. In each plug, the homogenized plant material is in the form of a sheet, and the sheet is curled and wound around a filter paper (not shown). Both sheets contain an additive comprising glycerol as an aerosol former. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4a, the plugs are combined in an abutting relationship with ends joined together to form a rod, each having a length of about 6 mm. In a more preferred embodiment (not shown), the second plug is preferably longer than the first plug, for example, preferably 2 mm longer, more preferably 3 mm longer, such that the second plug has a length of 7 or 7.5 mm and the first plug has a length of 5 or 4.5 mm, providing a desirable ratio of tobacco particles to star anise particles in the substrate. In Fig. 4b, the cellulose acetate tube support element 1030 is omitted.

[0304] Articles 4000a, 4000b similar to article 1000 of Fig. 1 are particularly suitable for use in an electrically operated aerosol generating system 2000 comprising a heater as shown in Fig. 2. Elements essentially the same as each element of Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals. It may be envisioned by those skilled in the art that a combustible heat source (not shown) may alternatively be used in the second embodiment in a configuration similar to that comprising the combustible heat source 1080 of article 1001 of Fig. 3, instead of the electric heating element.

[0305] FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of the heated aerosol generating article 5000. The aerosol generating substrate 5020 includes a rod formed from a first sheet of homogenized star anise material mainly formed of particulate plant material containing star anise particles and a second sheet of homogenized tobacco material mainly containing cast leaf tobacco. A homogenized star anise material suitable for use as the first sheet is shown as Sample A in Table 1 below. A homogenized tobacco material suitable for use as the second sheet is shown as Sample E in Table 1 below.

[0306] The second sheet is on top of the first sheet, and the combined sheets are crimped, gathered, and at least partially wrapped with filter paper (not shown) to form a plug that is part of the rod. Both sheets contain an additive including glycerol as an aerosol former. The article 5000, similar to the article 1000 of FIG. 1, is particularly suitable for use in an electrically operated aerosol generating system 2000 provided with the heater shown in FIG. 2. Elements essentially the same as each element of FIG. 1 are numbered the same. It can be envisioned by those skilled in the art that a combustible heat source (not shown) can alternatively be used in the third embodiment in a configuration similar to that including the combustible heat source 1080 of the article 1001 of FIG. 3, instead of the electrical heating element.

[0307] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the filter 1050 further including an aerosol modifying element. In FIG. 6a, the filter 1050 further includes an aerosol modifying element in the form of spherical capsules or beads 605.

[0308] In the embodiment of FIG. 6a, the capsules or beads 605 are embedded within the filter segment 601 and are surrounded on all sides by the filter material 603. In this embodiment, the capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core, the inner core containing a liquid flavorant. The liquid flavorant is for flavoring the aerosol during use of the aerosol-generating article provided with the filter. The capsule 605 releases at least a portion of the liquid flavorant when the filter is subjected to an external force, for example by compression by the consumer. In the illustrated embodiment, the capsule is generally spherical and has a substantially continuous outer shell containing the liquid flavorant.

[0309] In the embodiment of FIG. 6b, the filter segment 601 comprises a plug of filter material 603 and a central flavor support thread 607 extending axially through the plug of filter material 603 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter 1050. The central flavor support thread 607 is substantially the same length as the plug of filter material 603 such that the ends of the central flavor support thread 607 are visible at the ends of the filter segment 601. In FIG. 6b, the filter material 603 is cellulose acetate tow. The central flavor support thread 607 is formed from a twisted filter plug wrap and is loaded with an aerosol modifier.

[0310] In the embodiment of FIG. 6c, the filter segment 601 comprises plugs 603, 603' of two or more filter materials. The plugs of filter materials 603, 603' are formed from cellulose acetate so as to be able to filter the aerosol provided by the aerosol-generating article. A wrapper 609 is wound around to connect the filter plugs 603, 603'. Inside the cavity 611 there is a capsule 605 comprising an outer shell and an inner core, the inner core containing a liquid flavorant. Alternatively, the capsule is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6a.

[0311] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating substrate 1020 further comprising an aerosol modifying element in the form of beads 705. The aerosol generating substrate 1020 includes a plug 703 formed from a sheet of homogenized star anise material containing tobacco particles and star anise particles. The flavor delivery material of the beads 705 incorporates flavoring agents that are released as the material is heated to a temperature exceeding 220 degrees Celsius. Thus, the flavoring agents are released into the aerosol as a portion of the plug is heated during use.

Example

[0312] As described above with reference to the figures, different samples of homogenized plant material for use in an aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention were prepared from an aqueous slurry having the compositions shown in Table 1. Samples A - D contain star anise particles according to the present invention. Sample E contains only tobacco particles and is included only for purposes of comparison.

[0313] The particulate plant material in all samples occupies 75 percent of the dry weight of the homogenized plant material, and glycerol, guar gum, and cellulose fibers occupy the remaining 25 percent of the dry weight of the homogenized plant material. The samples are prepared from an aqueous slurry containing 78 - 79 kg of water per 100 kg of slurry.

[0314] In the following table, %DWB refers to "dry weight basis", in this case the weight percentage calculated relative to the dry weight of the homogenized plant material. Star anise powder was formed from coriander fruit that was pulverized to a final D95 = 300 microns by triple impact milling.

[0315]

Table 1

[0316] The slurry may be cast onto a glass plate using a casting bar (0.6 mm), dried in an oven at 140 °C for 7 minutes, and then dried in a second oven at 120 °C for 30 seconds.

[0317] For each of the homogenized plant material samples A - E, plugs were produced from a single continuous sheet of the homogenized plant material, with each sheet having a width of 100 mm to 125 mm. The individual sheets had a thickness of approximately 220 microns and a basis weight of approximately 200 g / m 2 ². The cut width of each sheet was adapted based on the thickness of each sheet to produce rods of comparable volume. The sheets were crimped to a height of 165 microns to 170 microns, rolled into plugs having a length of approximately 12 mm and a diameter of approximately 7 mm, and surrounded with a paper wrapper.

[0318] For each of the plugs, an aerosol generating article having a total length of approximately 45 mm had a structure as shown in Figure 3 and was formed with, from the downstream end, a mouth-side end cellulose acetate filter (approximately 7 mm in length), an aerosol spacer (approximately 18 mm in length) comprising a crimped sheet of polylactic acid polymer, a hollow acetate tube (approximately 8 mm in length), and a plug of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0319] For sample A of the homogenized star anise material where star anise particles account for 100 percent of the particulate plant material, characteristic compounds were extracted from plugs of the homogenized star anise material using methanol as detailed above. The extract was analyzed as described above to confirm the presence of the characteristic compounds and to measure the amount of the characteristic compounds. The results of this analysis are shown in Table 2 below, where the amounts shown correspond to the amounts per aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article contains 233 mg of sample A of the homogenized star anise material. For comparison purposes, the amount of the characteristic compounds present in the particulate plant material (star anise particles) used to form sample A is also shown. For the particulate plant material, the amounts shown correspond to the amount of the characteristic compounds in a sample of the particulate plant material having a weight corresponding to the total weight of the particulate plant material in the aerosol-generating article containing 233 mg of sample A. [Table 2]

[0320] For each of samples B - D containing a certain percentage of star anise particles, the amount of the characteristic compounds can be estimated based on the values in Table 2 by assuming that the amount is present in proportion to the weight of the star anise particles.

[0321] The mainstream aerosol of the aerosol-generating article incorporating the aerosol-generating substrate formed from samples A - E of the homogenized plant material was generated according to test method A as defined above. For each sample, the generated aerosol was confined and analyzed.

[0322] As detailed above, the aerosol-generating article was tested in accordance with Test Method A using the commercially available Philip Morris Products SA iQOS® heated non-combustible device tobacco heating system 2.2 holder (THS2.2 holder). The aerosol-generating article was heated over 30 puffs with a puff volume of 55 ml, a puff duration of 2 seconds, and a puff interval of 30 seconds under the Health Canada machine smoking regimen (as described in ISO / TR 19478-1:2014).

[0323] The aerosol generated during the smoking test was collected on Cambridge filter pads and extracted with a liquid solvent. Figure 10 shows a suitable apparatus for generating and collecting aerosol from the aerosol-generating article.

[0324] The aerosol generation device 111 shown in Figure 10 is a commercially available tobacco heating device (IQOS). The content of the mainstream aerosol generated during the Health Canada smoking test detailed above is collected in the aerosol collection chamber 113 on the aerosol collection line 120. The glass fiber filter pad 140 is a 44 mm Cambridge glass fiber filter pad (CFP) compliant with ISO 4387 and ISO 3308.

[0325] In the case of LC-HRAM-MS analysis : In this case, the extraction solvents 170, 170a, which are methanol and the internal standard (ISTD) solution, are present in a volume of 10 mL in each of the micro-syringes 160, 160a. The cold baths 161, 161a each contain dry ice - isopropyl ether to maintain the micro-syringes 160, 160a at approximately -60 °C. The gas-vapor phase is trapped within the extraction solvents 170, 170a as the aerosol foams through the micro-syringes 160, 160a. The combined solution from the two micro-syringes is separated in step 181 as the gas-vapor phase solution 180 trapped in the syringes.

[0326] The gas-vapor phase solution 180 confined in the CFP and the impinger is combined with a clean Pyrex® tube in step 190. In step 200, all particulate matter is extracted from the CFP by using the gas-vapor phase solution 180 (containing methanol as a solvent) confined in the impinger, by thoroughly shaking (breaking down the CFP) and stirring for 5 minutes, and finally centrifuging (4500 g, 5 minutes, 10 °C). An aliquot (300 μL) of all the reconstructed aerosol extracts 220 is transferred to a silanized chromatography vial and diluted with methanol (700 μL), because the extraction solvents 170, 170a already contain the internal standard (ISTD) solution. The vial is closed and mixed for 5 minutes using an Eppendorf ThermoMixer (5 °C, 2000 rpm).

[0327] For compound identification, an aliquot (1.5 μL) of the diluted extract was injected and analyzed by LC-HRAM-MS in both full scan mode and data-dependent fragmentation mode.

[0328] Regarding GCxGC-TOFMS analysis: As described above, when preparing samples for GCxGC-TOFMS experiments, different solvents are appropriate for the extraction and analysis of polar, non-polar, and volatile compounds separated from the total aerosol. The experimental setup is the same as that described for LC-HRAM-MS sample collection, except for the exceptions shown below.

[0329] Non-polar and polar The extraction solvents 171, 171a are present in a volume of 10 mL and are a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol in a ratio of 80:20 v / v, and also contain the same retention index marker (RIM) compound and stable isotope labeled internal standard (ISTD). The cold baths 162, 162a each contain a dry ice - isopropanol mixture for maintaining the microinjectors 160, 160a at approximately -78 °C respectively. The gas - vapor phase is trapped within the extraction solvents 171, 171a as the aerosol foams through the microinjectors 160, 160a. The combined solution from the two microinjectors is separated in step 182 as the gas - vapor phase solution 210 trapped in the injector.

[0330] Non-polar The CFP and the gas - vapor phase solution 210 trapped in the injector are combined in a clean Pyrex® tube in step 190. In step 200, all particulate matter is separated from the CFP by thoroughly shaking (to decompose the CFP), stirring for 5 minutes, and finally centrifuging (4500 g, 5 minutes, 10 °C) to separate the polar and non - polar components of the entire aerosol extract 230, using the gas - vapor phase solution 210 (containing dichloromethane and methanol as solvents) trapped in the injector.

[0331] In step 250, a 10 mL aliquot 240 of the entire aerosol extract 230 was taken out. In step 260, a 10 mL aliquot of water was added, the whole sample was shaken and centrifuged. The non - polar fraction 270 was separated, dried over sodium sulfate, and analyzed by GCxGC - TOFMS in full scan mode.

[0332] Polar The ISTD and RIM compounds were added to the polar fraction 280, which was directly analyzed by GCxGC - TOFMS in full scan mode.

[0333] Each smoking replicate (n = 3) includes, for each sample, the accumulation of 270 of the confined reconstituted nonpolar fraction and 280 of the nonpolar fraction.

[0334] Volatile components The entire aerosol was confined using two micro-impingers 160, 160a in series. In this case, the extraction solvents 172, 172a, which are the N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) retention index marker (RIM) compound and the stable isotope-labeled internal standard (ISTD), are present in a volume of 10 mL in each micro-impinger 160, 160a. The cold baths 161, 161a each contain dry ice-isopropanol ether to maintain the micro-impingers 160, 160a at approximately -60 °C respectively. The gas-vapor phase is confined within the extraction solvents 170, 170a as the aerosol foams through the micro-impingers 160, 160a. The combined solution from the two micro-impingers is separated as the volatile-containing phase 211 in step 183. The volatile-containing phase 211 is analyzed separately from the other phases and is directly injected into the GCxGC-TOFMS using a cool-on column without further preparation.

[0335] Table 3 below shows the levels of characteristic compounds from star anise particles in the aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating article incorporating sample A of the homogenized star anise material containing only star anise particles. For comparison purposes, Table 3 also shows the levels of characteristic compounds in the aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating article incorporating sample E of the homogenized tobacco material containing only tobacco particles (and thus not according to the present invention).

Table 3

[0336] For the aerosol generated from Sample A, relatively high levels of characteristic compounds were measured. The ratio of (E)-anethole to epoxy anethole was less than 2.5, and the ratio of (E)-anethole to benzyl isoeugenol ether was less than 6. Therefore, the level of characteristic compounds indicated the presence of star anise particles in the sample. In contrast, for tobacco-only Sample E, which substantially did not contain star anise particles, it was found that the level of characteristic compounds was zero or nearly zero.

[0337] For each of Samples B - D containing a certain proportion of star anise particles, the amount of characteristic compounds in the aerosol can be estimated based on the values in Table 3 by assuming that the amount is proportional to the mass of star anise particles in the aerosol generation substrate from which the aerosol was generated.

[0338] Table 4 below shows more schematically the composition of the aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating article incorporating Sample A (star anise only) compared to the composition of the aerosol generated from tobacco-only Sample E (tobacco only). The reduction shown is provided by replacing tobacco particles in the homogenized tobacco material of Sample E with star anise particles.

[0339] As shown in Table 4, the aerosol produced by Sample A, based on the dry weight of the particulate plant material, contains 100 weight percent star anise powder, and compared to the level of aerosol in Sample E produced using 100 weight percent tobacco based on the dry weight of the particulate plant material, the levels of propionaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, methyl ethyl ketone, butyraldehyde, acetaldehyde, phenol, o-cresol, catechol, hydroquinone, acrylonitrile, styrene, isoprene, pyridine, benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, pyrene, and total particulate matter were reduced.

Table 4

[0340] 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a homogenized star anise material containing star anise particles, an aerosol former, and a binder, and the aerosol-generating substrate contains, on a dry weight basis, at least 70 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate, and contains, on a dry weight basis, at least 50 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, and contains, on a dry weight basis, at least 130 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate. The aerosol-generating article. 2. The amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, and the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate is at least 1.5 times the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate. The aerosol-generating article according to 1. 3. The aerosol-generating substrate further contains 1 milligram to 20 milligrams of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-generating article according to 1 or 2. 4. The homogenized star anise material contains, on a dry weight basis, 5% to 30% by weight of an aerosol former and 1% to 10% by weight of a binder. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of 1 to 3. 5. The binder contains guar gum. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of 1 to 4. 6. The homogenized star anise material contains at least 2.5% by weight of star anise particles on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of 1 to 5. 7. The homogenized star anise material further contains tobacco particles, and the weight ratio of the star anise particles to the tobacco particles is 1:4 or less. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of 1 to 6. 8. The aerosol generating article according to any one of 1 to 7, wherein the homogenized star anise material in the aerosol generating substrate is in the form of cast leaves. 9. The aerosol generating article according to any one of 1 to 7, wherein the homogenized star anise material in the aerosol generating substrate is in the form of star anise paper. 10. With the heating of the aerosol generating substrate by Test Method A, At least 20 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and At least 10 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and At least 3.5 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, an aerosol is generated, The amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, and the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 10 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol per gram of the substrate. The aerosol generating article according to any one of 1 to 9. 11. The amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, and the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 6 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate. The aerosol generating article according to 10. 12. With the heating of the aerosol generating substrate by Test Method A, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate is At least 0.4 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, and At least 0.2 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, and At least 0.1 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol, and contains An aerosol smoking article having a volume of 55 milliliters generated by a smoking machine, wherein the amount of (E)-anethole per puff is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per puff, and the amount of (E)-anethole per puff is 10 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff, the aerosol generating article according to any one of 1 to 11. 13. An aerosol generating substrate comprising a homogenized star anise material comprising star anise particles, an aerosol former, and a binder, wherein the aerosol generating substrate at least 70 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and at least 50 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and at least 130 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, the aerosol generating substrate. 14. An aerosol generating system, an aerosol generating device comprising a heating element, and an aerosol generating article according to any one of 1 to 12, the aerosol generating system. 15. An aerosol generated upon heating of the aerosol generating substrate according to 13, wherein the aerosol contains at least 0.4 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, and at least 0.2 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, and at least 0.1 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol, and the aerosol smoking has a volume of 55 milliliters generated by a smoking machine, the amount of (E)-anethole per puff is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per puff, and the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the homogenized plant material is 10 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff, the aerosol. 16. A method for producing an aerosol generating substrate, comprising: forming a slurry comprising star anise particles, water, an aerosol former, a binder, and optionally tobacco particles; casting or extruding the slurry in the form of a sheet or a strand; drying the sheet or strand at a temperature of from 80°C to 160°C.

Claims

**Claim 1** An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a homogenized star anise material containing at least 2.5 weight percent of star anise particles, an aerosol former, and an exogenous binder on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-generating substrate contains at least 70 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and contains at least 50 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and contains at least 130 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and the aerosol-generating article further comprises a hollow tube downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, and further comprises a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tube, an aerosol-generating article. **Claim 2** The amount of the (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 5 times or less the amount of the epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, and the amount of the benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate is at least 1.5 times the amount of the (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1. **Claim 3** The aerosol-generating substrate further comprises 1 milligram to 20 milligrams of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2. **Claim 4** The homogenized star anise material contains 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent of an aerosol former and 1 weight percent to 10 weight percent of an exogenous binder on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3. **Claim 5** The exogenous binder contains guar gum. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4. **Claim 6** The homogenized star anise material further comprises tobacco particles, and the weight ratio of the star anise particles to the tobacco particles is 1:4 or less. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 5. **Claim 7** The homogenized star anise material in the aerosol-generating substrate is in the form of cast leaf. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6. **Claim 8** The homogenized star anise material in the aerosol-generating substrate is in the form of star anise paper. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. With the heating of the aerosol generation substrate by Test Method A, at least 20 micrograms of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and at least 10 micrograms of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and at least 3.5 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis are included, and an aerosol is generated, wherein the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, and the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 10 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. wherein the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per gram of the substrate, and the amount of (E)-anethole per gram of the substrate is 6 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per gram of the substrate. The aerosol generating article according to claim 9.

11. With the heating of the aerosol generation substrate by Test Method A, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generation substrate contains at least 0.4 micrograms of (E)-anethole per puff of the aerosol, at least 0.2 micrograms of epoxy anethole per puff of the aerosol, and at least 0.1 micrograms of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff of the aerosol, wherein the puff of the aerosol has a volume of 55 milliliters generated by a smoking machine, and the amount of (E)-anethole per puff is 5 times or less the amount of epoxy anethole per puff, and the amount of (E)-anethole per puff is 10 times or less the amount of benzyl isoeugenol ether per puff. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an upstream element at the upstream end of the aerosol generation substrate.

13. An aerosol generation system, comprising an aerosol generation device provided with a heating element, An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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