Novel aerosol generation substrate containing the ROSMARINUS species

Abstract

The aerosol-generating article (1000) (4000a, 4000b) (5000) comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (1020), the aerosol-generating substrate being formed from a homogenized rosemary material comprising 1 weight percent to 25 weight percent rosemary particles, 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent aerosol former, and 1 weight percent to 10 weight percent binder.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which the 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 are provided with 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 flavorant 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 cigarette mouthpiece to generate inhalable smoke as the tobacco rod burns. Typically, one or more flavorants are mixed with the tobacco in the tobacco rod to provide additional flavor to the mainstream smoke as the tobacco burns. Such flavorants can be provided, for example, as essential oils.

[0005] Aerosols from conventional cigarettes that contain a number of components that interact with receptors located in the mouth provide a sense of "richness", 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 fundamental sensory attribute that, along with taste and smell, determines the overall flavor of food and aerosols.

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

[0007] It is desirable to provide a novel aerosol-generating substrate for a heated aerosol-generating article that provides an aerosol with 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.

[0008] It is further desirable to provide such an aerosol-generating substrate that can be easily incorporated into an aerosol-generating article and can be manufactured using existing high-speed methods and apparatus.

[0009] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate being formed from a homogenized rosemary material containing rosemary particles. The homogenized rosemary material may contain from 1 weight percent to 25 weight percent rosemary particles on a dry weight basis. The homogenized rosemary material may contain from 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent aerosol former on a dry weight basis. The homogenized rosemary material may contain from 1 weight percent to 10 weight percent binder on a dry weight basis.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate, and the aerosol-generating substrate is formed from a homogenized rosemary material containing rosemary particles. According to the present invention, the homogenized rosemary material comprises, on a dry weight basis, 1 wt% to 25 wt% of rosemary particles, 5 wt% to 30 wt% of an aerosol former, and 1 wt% to 10 wt% of a binder.

[0011] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably further comprises, on a dry weight basis, at least 50 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate, at least 20 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate, and at least 0.3 micrograms of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate.

[0012] Preferably, an aerosol containing, on a dry weight basis, at least 30 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate, at least 1 microgram of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate, and at least 1 microgram of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate is generated upon heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention in accordance with Test Method A described below.

[0013] Preferably, with the heating of the aerosol - generating substrate by Test Method A, the aerosol generated from the aerosol - generating substrate can contain at least 0.5 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol. With the heating of the aerosol - generating substrate by Test Method A, the aerosol generated from the aerosol - generating substrate can contain at least 0.01 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol. With the heating of the aerosol - generating substrate by Test Method A, the aerosol generated from the aerosol - generating substrate can contain at least 0.01 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per puff of the aerosol. The puff of the aerosol has a volume of 55 milliliters when generated by a smoking machine.

[0014] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol - generating substrate formed from a homogenized rosemary material containing rosemary particles. The homogenized plant material can contain from 1 weight percent to 25 weight percent of rosemary particles. The homogenized rosemary material can contain from 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent of an aerosol - former. The homogenized rosemary material can contain from 1 weight percent to 10 weight percent of a binder.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol - generating substrate formed from a homogenized rosemary material, wherein the homogenized rosemary material contains from 1 weight percent to 25 weight percent of rosemary particles, from 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent of an aerosol - former, and from 1 weight percent to 10 weight percent of a binder.

[0016] Preferably, the homogenized rosemary material further contains at least 50 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate, at least 20 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate on a dry - weight basis, and at least 0.3 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per gram of the substrate on a dry - weight basis.

[0017] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generated upon heating of an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol may contain betulinic acid in an amount of at least 0.5 micrograms per puff of the aerosol. The aerosol may contain rosmaridiphenol in an amount of at least 0.01 micrograms per puff of the aerosol. The aerosol may contain 12-O-methylcarnosol in an amount of at least 0.01 micrograms per puff of the aerosol. The puff of the aerosol has a volume of 55 milliliters when generated by a smoking machine.

[0018] According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generated upon heating of an aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol containing betulinic acid in an amount of at least 0.5 micrograms per puff of the aerosol, rosmaridiphenol in an amount of at least 0.01 micrograms per puff of the aerosol, and 12-O-methylcarnosol in an amount of at least 0.01 micrograms per puff of the aerosol, and the puff of the aerosol having a volume of 55 milliliters when generated by a smoking machine.

[0019] The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate, the method including forming a slurry containing rosemary 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 the strand at 80 degrees Celsius to 160 degrees Celsius. 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 before the assembling step.

[0020] The following references to the aerosol generating substrate and the aerosol of the present invention are considered applicable to all aspects of the present invention unless otherwise stated.

[0021] 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 emit a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. A conventional cigarette is 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. Known heated aerosol generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating articles in which heat from a combustible fuel element or heat source is transferred to a physically separated aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0022] Also known are aerosol generating articles adapted for use in an aerosol generating system that supplies an aerosol former to the aerosol generating article. In such systems, the aerosol generating substrate in the aerosol generating article contains substantially less aerosol former than the aerosol generating substrate that conveys and provides substantially all of the aerosol former used to form the aerosol during operation.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 rosemary 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, papermaking processes, or any other suitable process known in the art.

[0025] As used herein, the term "homogenized rosemary material" refers to a homogenized plant material containing rosemary particles optionally combined with tobacco particles. The term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a homogenized plant material containing tobacco particles but not containing rosemary particles, and thus it does not conform to the present invention.

[0026] As used herein, the term "rosemary particles" encompasses particles derived from Rosmarinus officinalis, preferably particles derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae). Rosmarinus officinalis is an aromatic, evergreen, woody perennial herb with needle-shaped leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia and is also known as Salvia rosmarinus.

[0027] Rosemary is generally used as a flavoring agent. Fresh or dried leaves are a main component of traditional Mediterranean cuisine due to their unique aroma and complement many cooked foods. Rosemary extracts are often used in perfumes, shampoos, cleaning products, or air fresheners.

[0028] In contrast, rosemary essential oil is a distillate, and rosmarinic acid is a compound derived from rosemary. These are not regarded as rosemary particles and are not included in the proportion of particulate plant material.

[0029] The present invention provides an aerosol generating article incorporating an aerosol generating substrate formed from a homogenized plant material containing rosemary particles, which may be referred to as "homogenized rosemary 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 rosemary particles into the aerosol generating substrate, it is advantageously possible to produce an aerosol that provides a novel sensory experience. Such an aerosol can provide a unique flavor and an increased level of umami.

[0030] In addition, the inventors have found that it is advantageously possible to produce an aerosol having an improved rosemary aroma and flavor as compared to an aerosol produced by adding a rosemary additive such as rosemary oil. Rosemary oil (Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 8000-25-7) is obtained by steam distillation from the twigs and flower tops of the rosemary plant, has a different flavorant composition from rosemary particles, and is thought to result from a distillation process that can selectively remove or retain specific flavorants. 1,8-Cineole, α-pinene, and camphor are the main components of rosemary oil obtained from rosemary plants cultivated in Spain and North Africa. Verbenone is also found in trace amounts in North African rosemary oil but in slightly higher amounts in Spanish rosemary oil.

[0031] Furthermore, in the specific aerosol generating substrates provided herein, the rosemary particles are incorporated at a level sufficient to provide the desired rosemary flavor while maintaining a sufficient amount of tobacco material to provide the desired level of nicotine to the consumer.

[0032] Furthermore, surprisingly, including rosemary particles in the aerosol generating substrate provides a significant reduction in certain undesirable aerosol compounds as compared to an aerosol generated from an aerosol generating substrate containing 100 percent tobacco particles without rosemary particles.

[0033] The presence of rosemary 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 loci, and 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).

[0034] The inventors conducted a complex analysis and characterization of the aerosols generated from the aerosol-generating substrate of the present invention incorporating rosemary particles and a mixture of rosemary particles and tobacco particles, and compared these aerosols with the aerosols generated from existing aerosol-generating substrates formed from tobacco material without rosemary 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 rosemary particles. Therefore, by using the detection of these characteristic compounds within a specific range of weight ratios in the aerosol, aerosols derived from aerosol-generating substrates containing rosemary particles can be identified. These characteristic compounds are not present, in particular, in aerosols generated from tobacco material. 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 rosemary plant material rather than rosemary oil. Similarly, the presence of these characteristic compounds in the aerosol-generating substrate at a specific ratio indicates that rosemary particles are contained within the substrate.

[0035] In particular, the defined levels of the characteristic compounds in the substrate and the aerosol are specific to the rosemary particles present in the homogenized rosemary material. The level of each characteristic compound depends on the way the rosemary particles were processed during the production of the homogenized rosemary material. The level also depends on the composition of the homogenized rosemary material and will be particularly affected by the levels of other components within the homogenized rosemary material. The levels of the characteristic compounds in the homogenized rosemary material will be different from the levels of the same compounds in the starting rosemary material. Also, this will be different from the levels of the characteristic compounds in materials that contain rosemary particles but are not according to the invention as defined herein.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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 derived 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.

[0038] As described above, non-target differential screening (NTDS) can be performed 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 wt% rosemary as particulate plant material and an aerosol derived from an article containing 100 wt% tobacco as particulate plant material.

[0039] The aerosol was generated and collected using the apparatus and method described in detail below.

[0040] 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, applied to cigarette smoke, that integrates multiple analytical methods and compound identification strategies for non-targeted liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry” (DOI: 10.1002 / rcm.8571).

[0041] GCxGC-TOFMS analysis was performed in three different ways for non-polar, polar, or highly volatile compounds in the aerosol 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 method is 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).

[0042] The results from the analytical methods provided information on the major compounds responsible for the differences in the aerosols generated by such articles. The focus of the non-target differential screening using both analytical platforms LC-HRAM-MS and GCxGC-TOFMS was placed on compounds present in greater amounts in the aerosol of a sample of the aerosol-generating substrate according to the invention containing 100% rosemary particles, relative to a comparative sample of an aerosol-generating substrate containing 100% tobacco particles. The NTDS method is described in the literature listed above.

[0043] Based on this information, the inventors were able to identify specific compounds within the aerosol that could be considered "characteristic compounds" derived from the rosemary particles in the substrate. Characteristic compounds specific to rosemary include betulinic acid ((3β)-3-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid, chemical formula: C 30 H 48 O3, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 472-15-1); rosmaridiphenol (4,5-dihydroxy-12,12-dimethyl-6-(propan-2-yl)tricyclo[9.4.0.0 3 , 8 pentadeca-3,5,7-trien-2-one), chemical formula: C 20 H 28 O3, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 1729-95-2, and 12-O-methyl carnosol, chemical formula: C 21 H 28 O4, Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 85514-27-8, but are not limited thereto.

[0044] For the purposes of the present invention, target screening can be performed on samples 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.

[0045] As defined above, the aerosol-generating article of the present invention comprises an aerosol-generating substrate formed from a homogenized rosemary material containing rosemary particles. As a result of containing rosemary particles, the aerosol-generating substrate contains a specific proportion of the "characteristic compounds" of rosemary, as described above. In particular, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably contains at least 50 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of substrate, at least 20 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per gram of substrate, and at least 0.3 micrograms of 12-O-methylcarnosol per gram of substrate, on a dry weight basis.

[0046] By defining the aerosol-generating substrate for the desired levels of the characteristic compounds, it is possible to ensure consistency between products, despite potential differences in the levels of the characteristic compounds in the raw materials. This advantageously enables more effective control of the quality of the product.

[0047] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate contains at least about 100 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of substrate, more preferably at least about 250 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of substrate, more preferably at least about 500 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of substrate, on a dry weight basis. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating substrate contains about 2000 micrograms or less of betulinic acid per gram of substrate, more preferably about 1750 micrograms or less of betulinic acid per gram of substrate, more preferably about 1500 micrograms or less of betulinic acid per gram of substrate, more preferably about 1000 micrograms or less of betulinic acid per gram of substrate, on a dry weight basis.

[0048] For example, the aerosol generating substrate may contain about 50 micrograms to about 2000 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate, or about 100 micrograms to about 1750 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate, or about 250 micrograms to about 1500 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate, or about 500 micrograms to about 100 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate, based on dry weight.

[0049] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate contains at least about 50 micrograms of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, more preferably at least about 100 micrograms of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, and even more preferably at least about 200 micrograms of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, based on dry weight. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating substrate preferably contains about 1000 micrograms or less of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, more preferably about 800 micrograms or less of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, even more preferably about 700 micrograms or less of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, and even more preferably about 600 micrograms or less of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, based on dry weight.

[0050] For example, the aerosol generating substrate may contain about 20 micrograms to about 1000 micrograms of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, or about 50 micrograms to about 800 micrograms of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, or about 100 micrograms to about 700 micrograms of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, or about 200 micrograms to about 600 micrograms of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, based on dry weight.

[0051] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate contains at least about 1 microgram of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, more preferably at least about 2 micrograms of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, and even more preferably at least about 4 micrograms of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, on a dry weight basis. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating substrate preferably contains about 20 micrograms or less of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, more preferably about 18 micrograms or less of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, even more preferably about 15 micrograms or less of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, and even more preferably about 12 micrograms or less of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, on a dry weight basis.

[0052] For example, the aerosol generating substrate may contain from about 0.3 micrograms to about 20 micrograms of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, or from about 1 microgram to about 18 micrograms of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, or from about 2 micrograms to about 15 micrograms of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, or from about 4 micrograms to about 12 micrograms of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, on a dry weight basis.

[0053] Preferably, the ratio of the characteristic compounds in the aerosol generating substrate is such that the amount of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate is at least 2 times, more preferably at least 2.5 times, and even more preferably at least 3 times the amount of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate.

[0054] This ratio of betulinic acid to rosmaridiphenol is characteristic of the presence of rosemary particles in the aerosol generating substrate.

[0055] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate contains more than 0.5 weight percent of 1,8-cineole on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol generating substrate contains more than about 1 weight percent of 1,8-cineole on a dry weight basis.

[0056] As defined above, the present invention also provides an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate formed from a homogenized rosemary material containing rosemary particles, wherein an aerosol containing the "characteristic compounds" of rosemary is generated upon heating of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0057] For the purposes of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate is heated according to "Test Method A". In Test Method A, the 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The Health Canada smoking regimen is a well - defined and accepted smoking protocol as set out in Health Canada's 2000 Tobacco Products Information Regulations SOR / 2000 - 273, Schedule 2 (issued by the Department of Justice Canada). The test method is described in ISO / TR 19478 - 1:2014. In the Health Canada smoking test, when ventilation is present, all ventilation is blocked and aerosol is collected from the aerosol generating substrate of the sample over 12 puffs with a puff volume of 55 millimeters, a puff duration of 2 seconds, and a puff interval of 30 seconds.

[0060] Thus, in the context of the present invention, the expression "upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate by Test Method A" means the situation when the aerosol-generating substrate is heated in a THS2.2 holder under the mechanical smoking regimen of Health Canada, in accordance with the Tobacco Products Information Regulations SOR / 2000-273, Schedule 2 (issued by the Department of Justice Canada), and this test method is described in ISO / TR 19478-1:2014.

[0061] For the purpose of analysis, the aerosol generated from the heating of the aerosol-generating substrate is confined using an appropriate device depending on the analytical method used. In a preferred method for generating samples for analysis by LC-HRAM-MS, the particulate phase is confined using a conditioned 44 mm Cambridge glass fiber filter pad (compliant with ISO 3308) and a filter holder (compliant with ISO4387 and ISO3308). The remaining gaseous phase is collected downstream from the filter pad using two consecutive micro syringes (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 confined particulate and gaseous 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 syringes. The resulting extract is diluted with methanol and mixed in an Eppendorf ThermoMixer (5 °C, 2000 rpm). The test sample from the extract is 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 betulinic acid, rosmaridiphenol, and 12-O-methylcarnosol.

[0062] Samples for analysis by GCxGC-TOFMS can be generated in a similar manner, but 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.

[0063] For non-polar and polar compounds, the whole aerosol is collected using a conditioned 44 mm Cambridge glass fiber filter pad (compliant with ISO3308) and filter holder (compliant with ISO4387 and ISO3308), followed by two micro-impingers connected in series and sealed. Each micro-impinger (20 mL) contains 10 mL of dichloromethane / methanol (80:20 v / v) containing internal standard (ISTD) and retention index marker (RIM) compounds. The micro-impingers are maintained at -80 degrees Celsius using a mixture of dry ice and isopropanol. For the analysis of non-polar compounds, the particulate phase of the whole aerosol is extracted from the glass fiber filter pad using the contents of the micro-impinger. 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.

[0064] For volatile compounds, the whole aerosol is collected using two micro-impingers (20 mL) connected in series and sealed, each filled with 10 mL of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) containing ISTD and RIM compounds respectively. The micro-impingers are maintained at -50 degrees Celsius to -60 degrees Celsius 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.

[0065] For the purposes of the present invention, GCxGC-TOFMS analysis is suitable for the identification and quantification of 12-O-methylcarnosol.

[0066] The aerosol generated upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate of the present invention according to Test Method A is preferably characterized by the amounts and ratios of characteristic compounds, betulinic acid, rosmaridiphenol, and 12-O-methylcarnosol, as defined above.

[0067] Preferably, in an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate described above, upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate according to Test Method A, at least 30 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, at least 1 microgram of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and at least 1 microgram of 12-O-methylcarnosol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis are contained in the generated aerosol.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate according to Test Method A, it is preferred that an aerosol containing at least about 30 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis is generated.

[0070] More preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention contains at least about 100 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. Even more preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention contains at least about 250 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at most about 1500 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate contains at most about 1000 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. Even more preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate contains at most about 800 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0071] Upon heating of the aerosol generating substrate by Test Method A, an aerosol is generated that preferably contains at least about 1 microgram of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0072] Preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention further contains at least about 10 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention contains at least about 25 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at most about 100 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate contains at most about 75 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. Even more preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate contains at most about 50 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0073] Upon heating of the aerosol generating substrate by Test Method A, an aerosol is generated that, on a dry weight basis, preferably contains at least about 1 microgram of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per gram of the substrate.

[0074] Preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention contains at least about 10 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. Even more preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention contains at least about 25 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at most about 100 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate contains at most about 75 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. Even more preferably, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate contains at most about 50 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0075] In some embodiments, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention contains at least 30 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, at least 1 microgram of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and at least 1 microgram of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The amount of nicotine in the aerosol can be measured by applying various methods known in the art.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, 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 up to about 200 milligrams of cannabinoid compound per gram of substrate, more preferably 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.

[0079] The cannabinoid compound is preferably selected from CBD and THC. More preferably, the cannabinoid compound is CBD.

[0080] The amount of cannabinoid compound in the aerosol can be measured by applying various methods known in the art.

[0081] 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 nitrogen oxides and nitrogen dioxide may also be present in the aerosol and can be measured and used to further characterize the aerosol.

[0082] According to the present invention, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate during Test Method A preferably has an amount of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate that is at least 5 times the amount of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate.

[0083] More preferably, the amount of betulinic acid in the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate during Test Method A is at least 10 times the amount of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, and thus the ratio of betulinic acid to rosmarinic acid is at least 10:1. Even more preferably, the amount of betulinic acid in the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate during Test Method A is at least 20 times the amount of rosmarinic acid per gram of the substrate, and thus the ratio of betulinic acid to rosmarinic acid is at least 20:1.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the amount of betulinic acid in the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate during Test Method A is such that the ratio of betulinic acid to rosmarinic acid is 5:1 to 20:1.

[0085] The defined ratio of betulinic acid to rosmarinic acid characterizes the aerosol derived from rosemary particles. In contrast, for the aerosol produced from rosemary oil, the ratio of betulinic acid to rosmarinic acid will be significantly different.

[0086] 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. Alternatively 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.

[0087] Suitable aerosol formers for use in the present invention are described below.

[0088] Various methods known in the art can be applied to measure the amount of aerosol former in the aerosol.

[0089] As described above, the presence and defined ratios of characteristic compounds in the aerosol indicate that rosemary particles are contained in the homogenized rosemary material forming the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0090] Preferably, the rosemary particles contain at least about 0.5 milliliters of volatile oil per 100 grams, more preferably at least about 0.55 milliliters of volatile oil per 100 grams. The essential oil content of the rosemary particles can be determined using steam distillation as described in ISO6571:2008. This gives an indication of the essential oil content of the rosemary particles.

[0091] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate according to the present invention comprises a homogenized rosemary material containing at least about 2.5 weight percent rosemary particles on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the particulate plant material contains at least about 3 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably at least about 4 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably at least about 5 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably at least about 6 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably at least about 7 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably at least about 8 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably at least about 9 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably at least about 10 weight percent rosemary particles on a dry weight basis.

[0092] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the plant particles forming the homogenized rosemary material may contain at least 98 weight percent rosemary particles, or at least 95 weight percent rosemary particles, or at least 90 weight percent rosemary particles on the dry weight of the plant particles. Thus, in such embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate contains rosemary particles and substantially no other plant particles. For example, the plant particles forming the homogenized rosemary material may contain about 100 weight percent rosemary particles.

[0093] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the homogenized rosemary material may contain rosemary particles in combination with at least one of tobacco particles or cannabis particles, as described below.

[0094] 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 a homogenized plant material. The particulate plant material may consist substantially of rosemary particles, or may be a mixture of rosemary particles and tobacco particles, cannabis particles, or both tobacco particles and cannabis particles.

[0095] The homogenized rosemary material may contain up to about 25 weight percent rosemary particles on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the homogenized rosemary material contains up to about 24 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably up to about 80 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably up to about 23 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably up to about 22 weight percent rosemary particles, more preferably up to about 20 weight percent rosemary particles on a dry weight basis.

[0096] For example, the homogenized rosemary material may contain rosemary particles in the range of about 2.5 weight percent to about 24 weight percent, or about 4 weight percent to about 24 weight percent, or about 5 weight percent to about 23 weight percent, or about 6 weight percent to about 22 weight percent, or about 8 weight percent to about 21 weight percent, or about 10 weight percent to about 20 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0097] As described above, the inventors have identified a number of "characteristic compounds" that are characteristic of the rosemary plant and, by extension, compounds that indicate the presence of rosemary plant particles within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0098] The amount of characteristic compounds present in pure rosemary 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 integrity of the rosemary particles and the stability of the compounds under the temperature and manipulations during manufacture will also affect the final amount of the compounds present in the substrate. Accordingly, it is contemplated that after the rosemary particles are incorporated into various physical forms, such as sheet, strand, and granular substrates, the ratios of the characteristic compounds to each other may vary.

[0099] The presence of rosemary in the aerosol generating substrate and the proportion of rosemary provided in the aerosol generating substrate can be determined by measuring the amount of characteristic compounds in the substrate and comparing this to the corresponding amount of characteristic compounds in a pure rosemary material. The presence and amount of the characteristic compounds can be carried out using any suitable technique known to those skilled in the art.

[0100] In a suitable technique, a 250 milligram sample 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 the characteristic compounds.

[0101] In some embodiments, the homogenized rosemary material further comprises up to about 75 weight percent tobacco particles on a dry weight basis.

[0102] For example, the homogenized rosemary material preferably contains, on a dry weight basis, from about 40 weight percent to about 75 weight percent tobacco particles, more preferably from about 45 weight percent to about 70 weight percent tobacco particles, and even more preferably from about 50 weight percent to about 65 weight percent tobacco particles.

[0103] In some embodiments, the homogenized rosemary material contains, on a dry weight basis, from about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent rosemary particles and from about 55 weight percent to about 70 weight percent tobacco particles.

[0104] The weight ratio of rosemary particles to tobacco particles in the particulate plant material forming the homogenized rosemary material can vary depending on the desired flavor characteristics and composition of the aerosol. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the homogenized rosemary material contains a weight ratio of rosemary particles to tobacco particles that is about 1:4 or less. This means that the rosemary particles account for 20 percent or less of the total particulate plant material. More preferably, the homogenized rosemary material contains a weight ratio of rosemary particles to tobacco particles that is 1:5 or less, and even more preferably 1:6 or less.

[0105] For example, in a first preferred embodiment, the weight ratio of rosemary particles to tobacco particles is 1:4. A ratio of 1:4 corresponds to a particulate plant material consisting of about 20 weight percent rosemary particles and about 80 weight percent tobacco particles. For a homogenized rosemary material formed from about 75 weight percent of the particulate plant material, this corresponds to about 15 weight percent rosemary particles and about 60 weight percent tobacco particles in the homogenized rosemary material on a dry weight basis.

[0106] In another embodiment, the homogenized rosemary material contains a weight ratio of rosemary particles to tobacco particles of 1:9. In yet another embodiment, the homogenized rosemary material contains a weight ratio of rosemary particles to tobacco particles of 1:30.

[0107] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "tobacco particle" describes particles of any plant member of the Nicotiana species. The term "tobacco particle" includes comminuted or powdered tobacco leaf laminas, comminuted 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 preferred embodiments, substantially all of the tobacco particles are derived from tobacco leaf laminas. In contrast, isolated nicotine and nicotine salts are compounds derived from tobacco, but for the purposes of the present invention are not considered tobacco particles and are not included in the proportion of particulate plant material.

[0108] 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.

[0109] Fire-curing is a method of drying tobacco that is particularly used for Virginia tobacco. During the fire-curing process, heated air is circulated through tightly packed tobacco. During the first stage, the tobacco leaves turn yellow and wither. During the second stage, the leaf laminas become completely dry. During the third stage, the leaf stems become completely dry.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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. Thus, generally, Oriental tobacco is used in relatively small proportions in tobacco blends.

[0112] Kasturi, Madura, and Jatim are subtypes of sun-dried tobacco that can be used. It is preferred that Kasturi tobacco and fire-dried 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-dried tobacco.

[0113] The 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 includes the tobacco particles in combination with rosemary particles, it is preferred that the tobacco having a higher nicotine content maintain a similar level of nicotine relative to a typical aerosol-generating substrate that does not include rosemary particles, because otherwise the total amount of nicotine would be reduced due to replacing the tobacco particles with rosemary particles.

[0114] As a result of including the tobacco particles, the aerosol-generating substrate and the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate of such embodiments include a particular proportion of "characteristic compounds" of tobacco. Characteristic compounds generated from tobacco include, but are not limited to, anatabine, cotinine, and damascenone. In particular, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably includes at least about 60 micrograms of cotinine per gram of substrate and at least about 10 micrograms of damascenone per gram of substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably includes at most about 150 micrograms of cotinine per gram of substrate and at most about 25 micrograms of damascenone per gram of substrate.

[0115] Upon heating the aerosol - generating substrate by Test Method A, the aerosol generated from the aerosol - generating substrate preferably contains at least about 15 micrograms of anatabine per gram of the substrate, at least about 8 micrograms of cotinine per gram of the substrate, and at least about 3 micrograms of damascenone per gram of the substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol preferably contains at most about 35 micrograms of anatabine per gram of the substrate, at most about 18 micrograms of cotinine per gram of the substrate, and at most about 8 micrograms of damascenone per gram of the substrate.

[0116] Nicotine may optionally be incorporated into the aerosol - generating substrate, which is considered a non - tobacco material for the purposes of the present invention. Nicotine may contain 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.

[0117] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol - generating substrate comprises a homogenized rosemary material formed from particulate plant material consisting only of rosemary particles having nicotine such as nicotine salts incorporated into the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0118] 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.

[0119] The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains a maximum of about 50 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis. The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains a maximum of about 45 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, more preferably a maximum of about 40 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably a maximum of about 35 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably a maximum of about 30 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably a maximum of about 25 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate, more preferably a maximum of about 20 mg of nicotine per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis.

[0120] 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.

[0121] The defined range of nicotine content in the aerosol generating substrate includes all forms of nicotine that may be present in the aerosol generating substrate, including nicotine that is essentially 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.

[0122] As an alternative to, or in addition to, including tobacco particles in the homogenized rosemary material of the aerosol generating substrate according to the present invention, the homogenized rosemary material may contain up to 75 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.

[0123] For example, the particulate plant material may contain from about 40 weight percent to about 75 weight percent of cannabis particles, more preferably from about 45 weight percent to about 60 weight percent of tobacco particles, and even more preferably from about 50 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of tobacco particles on a dry weight basis.

[0124] One or more cannabinoid compounds may optionally be incorporated into the aerosol-generating substrate, but this is considered a non-cannabis material for purposes of the present invention. As used herein with respect to the present invention, the term "cannabinoid compound" describes any one of a class of naturally occurring compounds found in parts of the cannabis plant, i.e., Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabinoid compounds are particularly concentrated in the female flower heads and are commonly sold as cannabis oil. Naturally occurring 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 occurring and synthetically produced cannabinoid compounds.

[0125] For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise 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), cannabielsoin (CBE), cannabicitran (CBT), and combinations thereof.

[0126] The homogenized rosemary material may further comprise a proportion of other plant-flavoring particles in addition to rosemary particles or a combination of rosemary particles and at least one of tobacco particles and cannabis particles ("particulate plant material").

[0127] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "other plant flavor particles" refers to particles of non-rosemary, non-tobacco, and non-cannabis plant material that have the ability to generate one or more flavoring agents upon heating. This term is considered to exclude particles of inert plant material, 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.

[0128] The composition of the homogenized plant 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 plant material, if desired, without the need for combinations or mixtures of different blends, as would be the case, for example, in producing a conventional cut filler. Thus, the production of the aerosol-generating substrate can potentially be simplified.

[0129] 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.

[0130] The particulate plant material can have a D95 value of 50 microns or greater to 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., up to a D95 of 400 microns. By providing a D95 value within this range, the inclusion of relatively large plant particles within the homogenized plant material is avoided. This is desirable because aerosol generation from such large plant particles is likely to be relatively inefficient. Furthermore, the inclusion of large plant particles in the homogenized plant material can adversely affect the consistency of the material.

[0131] Preferably, the particulate plant material may have a D95 value of about 50 microns or more to about 350 microns or less, more preferably about 100 microns or more to about 300 microns or less. Both the particulate rosemary material and the particulate tobacco material may have a D95 value of about 50 microns or more to about 400 microns or less, preferably about 100 microns or more to about 350 microns or less, more preferably about 200 microns or more to about 300 microns or less.

[0132] Preferably, the particulate plant material may have a D5 value of about 10 microns or more to about 50 microns or less, and more preferably about 20 microns or more to about 40 microns or less. Providing a D5 value within this range avoids the inclusion of very small dust particles in the homogenized rosemary material, which may be desirable from a manufacturing standpoint.

[0133] In some embodiments, the particulate plant material may be intentionally ground to form particles having a desired particle size distribution. The use of intentionally ground plant material advantageously improves the homogeneity of the particulate plant material and the consistency of the homogenized rosemary material.

[0134] The diameter of 100 percent of the particulate plant material may be about 300 microns or less, more preferably about 250 microns or less. The diameter of 100 percent of the particulate rosemary material and 100 percent of the particulate tobacco material may be about 300 microns or less, more preferably about 250 microns or less. Depending on the particle size range of the rosemary particles, the rosemary particles can be combined with tobacco particles in an existing cast leaf process.

[0135] The homogenized rosemary material preferably contains, on a dry weight basis, at least about 55 weight percent particulate plant material, more preferably at least about 60 weight percent particulate plant material, more preferably at least about 65 weight percent particulate plant material, including rosemary particles as described above. The homogenized rosemary material preferably contains, on a dry weight basis, about 95 weight percent or less particulate plant material, more preferably about 90 weight percent or less particulate plant material, more preferably about 85 weight percent or less particulate plant material. For example, the homogenized rosemary material may contain, on a dry weight basis, about 55 weight percent to about 95 weight percent particulate plant material, or about 60 weight percent to about 90 weight percent particulate plant material, or about 65 weight percent to about 85 weight percent particulate plant material. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the homogenized rosemary material contains, on a dry weight basis, about 75 weight percent particulate plant material.

[0136] Thus, the particulate plant material is typically combined with one or more other components to form a homogenized rosemary material.

[0137] The homogenized rosemary material may further contain a binder for changing the mechanical properties of the particulate plant material, and the binder is included in the homogenized rosemary material during production 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 contains guar gum.

[0138] As defined above, the binder is present in an amount of about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, preferably in an amount of about 2 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, based on the dry weight of the homogenized rosemary material.

[0139] In addition, the homogenized rosemary material may optionally further contain one or more lipids for promoting the diffusion rate of volatile components (e.g., aerosol formers, (E)-anethole, and nicotine), and the lipids are included in the homogenized rosemary material during production as described herein. Suitable lipids for inclusion in the homogenized rosemary material include 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, but are not limited thereto.

[0140] Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized rosemary material may further contain a pH adjuster.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized rosemary material may further include fibers to change the mechanical properties of the homogenized rosemary material, and the fibers are included in the homogenized rosemary material during manufacture as described herein. Suitable foreign fibers for inclusion in the homogenized rosemary material are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, fibers formed from non-tobacco materials and non-rosemary materials such as cellulose fibers, softwood fibers, hardwood fibers, jute fibers, and combinations thereof. Foreign fibers derived from tobacco and / or rosemary can also be added. Any fibers added to the homogenized rosemary material are not considered to form part of the "particulate plant material" as defined above. Prior to inclusion in the homogenized rosemary material, the fibers can 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.

[0142] Suitable fibers typically have a length greater than 400 micrometers and less than or equal to 4 mm, preferably 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 rosemary material can depend on the type of material, and in particular, the method used to produce the homogenized rosemary 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 rosemary material is in the form of a cast leaf. 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 rosemary material is a plant paper formed in a papermaking process.

[0143] As defined above, the homogenized rosemary material further comprises one or more aerosol formers. 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.

[0144] Aerosol formers suitable for inclusion in the homogenized rosemary 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 (such as 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. The homogenized rosemary material can include a single aerosol former, or a combination of two or more aerosol formers.

[0145] The homogenized rosemary material has an aerosol former content of about 5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis, such as about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent on a dry weight basis, or about 15 weight percent to about 20 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0146] For example, when intended for use in an aerosol-generating article for an electrically operated aerosol-generating system having a heating element, it is preferred that it can include an aerosol former content of about 5 weight percent to about 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis. When intended for use in an aerosol-generating article for an electrically operated aerosol-generating system having a heating element, the aerosol former is preferably glycerol.

[0147] In other embodiments, the homogenized rosemary 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.

[0148] The aerosol former may act as a wetting agent in the aerosol generating substrate.

[0149] Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized rosemary material may further contain an acid. The acid may include a carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid may contain a ketone group. Preferably, the carboxylic acid may contain 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. Including an acid may be particularly advantageous when the aerosol generating substrate is in the form of a gel, as described below.

[0150] The homogenized plant material of the aerosol generating 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 generating substrate includes rosemary particles and tobacco particles or cannabis particles contained within the same sheet of homogenized plant material. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate may include tobacco particles or cannabis particles, and rosemary particles in different sheets from each other.

[0151] Preferably, the homogenized rosemary material is in the form of a solid or gel. However, in some embodiments, the homogenized material may be in the form of a solid that is not a gel. Preferably, the homogenized rosemary material is not in the form of a film.

[0152] The homogenized rosemary material may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the homogenized rosemary material may be in the form of one or more sheets. The term "sheet" as used herein with respect to the present invention describes a thin layer of material having a width and length that is significantly greater than its thickness.

[0153] Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized rosemary material may be in the form of a plurality of pellets or granules.

[0154] Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized rosemary 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 rosemary material.

[0155] Alternatively or additionally, the homogenized rosemary material may be in the form of multiple strands, strips, or pieces. As used herein, the term "strand" describes an elongated element of material having a length substantially greater than its width and thickness. The term "strand" should be considered to encompass strips, pieces, and any other homogenized rosemary material having a similar form. Strands of homogenized rosemary material may be formed from a sheet of homogenized rosemary material, for example, by cutting or chopping, or by other methods, such as extrusion methods.

[0156] In some embodiments, the strands can be formed in situ within the aerosol-generating substrate as a result of the splitting or cracking of a sheet of homogenized plant material during the formation of the aerosol-generating substrate, for example, as a result of curling. The strands of homogenized rosemary material within the aerosol-generating substrate may be separated from each other. Alternatively, each strand of homogenized rosemary material within the aerosol-generating substrate can be at least partially connected to an adjacent strand(s) 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 homogenized rosemary material during the generation of the aerosol-generating substrate described above.

[0157] The aerosol-generating substrate is preferably in the form of one or more sheets of homogenized rosemary material. In various embodiments of the present invention, one or more sheets of homogenized rosemary material can be produced by a casting process. In various embodiments of the present invention, one or more sheets of homogenized rosemary material can be produced by a papermaking process. Each of the one or more sheets described herein can 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 that make up 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.

[0158] Each of the one or more sheets described herein can individually have a basis weight of from about 100 g / m 2 to about 300 g / m 2 2.

[0159] One or more of the sheets described herein may each 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 .

[0160] The term "tensile strength" is used throughout this specification to denote the measured value of the force required to stretch a sheet of homogenized rosemary material until it breaks. More specifically, the 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 the 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".

[0161] 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: about 10 millimeters, thickness: about 3 millimeters), a double blade strip cutter (size 15 ± 0.05 x about 250 millimeters, Adamel Lhomargy, or equivalent), a surgical scalpel, computer-operated acquisition software (Marlins, or equivalent), and compressed air.

[0162] First, prior to the test, samples are prepared by conditioning a sheet of homogenized rosemary material at 22 ± 2 degrees Celsius and 60 ± 5% relative humidity for at least 24 hours. 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 specimens must be cut cleanly so as not to cut more than three test specimens simultaneously.

[0163] The tensile / compression test device 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 a pneumatic acting grip is attached. The test distance between the pneumatically actuated grips is adjusted to 180 ± 0.5 millimeters with a steel gauge block, and the distance and force are set to zero.

[0164] Next, place the test specimen straight and centered between the grips, avoiding touching the area of the specimen being tested with your fingers. Close the upper grip and hang a strip of paper into 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 between them exceeds 10 millimeters. Otherwise, mark the result as failed and perform additional measurements.

[0165] If the available test specimens of the homogenized rosemary material are smaller than the samples described in the test according to ISO1924-2 as described above, the test can be easily scaled down to accommodate the available size of the test specimens.

[0166] One or more sheets of the homogenized rosemary material described in this specification can 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 cross-direction peak. Considering that the sheet thickness affects the tensile strength and the batches of sheets show thickness variations, it may be desirable to normalize the values to a specific sheet thickness.

[0167] One or more sheets described herein can 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 can 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.

[0168] Providing a sheet having the levels of thickness, basis weight, and tensile strength defined above advantageously optimizes the machinability of the sheet for forming an aerosol-generating substrate and ensures that damage such as tearing of the sheet is avoided during high-speed processing of the sheet.

[0169] In embodiments of the invention in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of homogenized rosemary 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 rosemary material are wound, folded, or otherwise compressed or shrunk 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.

[0170] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction corresponding to the major longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, extending 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.

[0171] 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 preferably be aligned in the longitudinal direction and may include one or more plugs.

[0172] 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 conveyed 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.

[0173] One or more sheets of homogenized rosemary material may be assembled transversely to the longitudinal axis of the sheet 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.

[0174] Alternatively, one or more sheets of homogenized rosemary material may be cut into strands as mentioned above. In such an embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of homogenized rosemary material. The strands may be used to form plugs. 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.

[0175] The length of the strand is preferably greater than about 5 mm, for example, about 5 mm to about 15 mm, 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 brittle and may be damaged, especially during transfer. In such cases, a portion of the length of the strand may be shorter than the length of the plug.

[0176] The plurality of strands preferably align along the longitudinal axis and extend substantially along the length of the aerosol generating substrate. Accordingly, the plurality of strands preferably align substantially parallel to each other. The plurality of longitudinal strands of the aerosol generating material are preferably substantially non-coiled.

[0177] The strands of the homogenized rosemary 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 rosemary 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 rosemary material in milligrams by the geometric surface area of the strand of the homogenized rosemary material in square millimeters.

[0178] One or more sheets of the homogenized rosemary material may be textured by crimping, 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 rosemary material are preferably crimped before assembly so that the homogenized rosemary material can take the form of a crimped sheet, more preferably an assembly of crimped sheets. As used herein, the term "crimped sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or undulations aligned in the longitudinal axis direction of a normal article.

[0179] 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 rosemary material. Most preferably, the plug of the aerosol generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of the homogenized rosemary material. One or more sheets of the homogenized rosemary material are preferably crimped so as to have a plurality of ridges or undulations substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis of the plug. This process advantageously facilitates forming a plug by assembling the crimped sheets of the homogenized rosemary material. It is preferred that one or more sheets of the homogenized rosemary material can be assembled. It will be appreciated that the crimped sheets of the homogenized rosemary material may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or undulations disposed at an acute or obtuse angle to the cylindrical axis of the plug. The sheet may be crimped to such an extent that the integrity of the sheet is interrupted at the plurality of parallel ridges or undulations, causing the material to separate and resulting in the formation of fragments, strands, or slivers of the homogenized rosemary material.

[0180] 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, wherein the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material contain different levels of rosemary particles and tobacco particles. At least one of the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material is a homogenized rosemary material. For example, the first homogenized plant material may contain, on a dry weight basis, about 1 weight percent to about 25 weight percent rosemary particles, and the second homogenized plant material may contain, on a dry weight basis, about 50 weight percent to about 75 weight percent tobacco particles. Generally, according to the present invention, the homogenized plant material in the aerosol-generating substrate contains, on a dry weight basis, at least 2.5 weight percent rosemary particles and up to 70 weight percent tobacco particles.

[0181] In such an arrangement, the first homogenized plant material preferably comprises a first particulate plant material having a higher proportion of rosemary particles than the second homogenized plant material, which may be a homogenized tobacco material that is substantially free of rosemary particles.

[0182] 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.

[0183] Optionally, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more plugs. Preferably, the substrate may comprise a first plug and a second plug, and 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.

[0184] Two or more plugs may extend end-to-end in abutting relationship to form a rod. Two plugs may be longitudinally positioned with a gap between them, thereby creating a cavity within the rod. The plugs may be in any suitable arrangement within the rod.

[0185] For example, in a preferred arrangement, a downstream plug containing a predominant proportion of rosemary particles may abut an upstream plug containing a predominant proportion of tobacco particles to form a rod. Alternative configurations are also contemplated in which the upstream and downstream positions of each plug are altered relative to one another. Alternative configurations are also contemplated in which a third homogenized plant material contains different proportions of rosemary particles and tobacco particles to form a third plug. When two or more plugs are provided, the homogenized plant material may be provided in the same form in each plug or in different forms in each plug, i.e., aggregated or chopped. One or more plugs may optionally be individually or together packaged in a thermally conductive sheet material, as described below.

[0186] The first plug may comprise one or more sheets of the first homogenized plant material, and the second plug may comprise one or more sheets of the second homogenized plant material. The combined length of the plugs may be about 10 mm to about 40 mm, preferably about 10 mm to about 15 mm, and more preferably about 12 mm. The first plug and the second plug may be the same length or may have different lengths. If the first plug and the second plug have the same length, the length of each plug may preferably be about 6 mm to about 20 mm. The second plug may preferably be longer than the first plug to provide a desired ratio of tobacco particles to rosemary particles in the substrate. Generally, the substrate preferably contains, on a dry weight basis, 0 to 75 weight percent tobacco particles and 25 to 1 weight percent rosemary particles. The second plug is preferably at least 40 to 50 percent longer than the first plug.

[0187] When the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material are in the form of one or more sheets, it is preferred that the one or more sheets of the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material can be an assembly of sheets. It is preferred that the one or more sheets of the first homogenized plant material and the second homogenized plant material can be crimped 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 a first homogenized plant material and a 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 embodiments in which a single homogenized plant material is present is equally applicable to embodiments in which a first homogenized plant material and a second homogenized plant material are present.

[0188] In yet another further embodiment of the aerosol generating substrate, the first homogenized plant material is in the form of a first sheet and 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.

[0189] The first sheet may be a textured sheet and the second sheet may be an untextured sheet.

[0190] Both the first and second sheets may be textured sheets.

[0191] 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. Alternatively, the first sheet may be perforated and the second sheet may be crimped.

[0192] Both the first and second sheets may be morphologically differently crimped sheets, for example, the second sheet may be crimped with a different number of crimps per sheet unit width compared to the first sheet.

[0193] The sheets may be collectively formed into a plug. The sheets that collectively form a plug may have different physical dimensions. The width and thickness of the sheets may vary.

[0194] It may be desirable 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 aerosol-generating substrate from sheets of different chemical compositions.

[0195] 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.

[0196] The first sheet may have a first width and the second sheet may have a second width different from the first width.

[0197] The first sheet and the second sheet may be disposed in an overlapping relationship before or at the time of being 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.

[0198] If it is desired that both the first and second sheets be textured, the sheets may be textured simultaneously before being assembled. For example, the sheets may be placed in overlapping relationship and passed through a texturing means such as a pair of crimping rollers. Suitable apparatus and processes for simultaneous crimping are described with reference to Figure 2 of WO-A-2013 / 178766. In a preferred embodiment, a second sheet of the second homogenized plant material is placed on top of the first sheet of the first homogenized plant material, and the combined sheets assemble to form a plug of aerosol-generating substrate. Optionally, the sheets may be crimped together prior to assembly to facilitate assembly.

[0199] 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 crimp the first sheet differently relative to the second sheet.

[0200] It will be understood that all other physical properties described with respect to embodiments in which a single homogenized rosemary material is present are equally applicable to embodiments in which a first homogenized plant material and a second homogenized plant material are present. Additionally, it will be understood that the descriptions of additives (such as binders, lipids, fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavors, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof) with respect to embodiments in which a single homogenized rosemary material is present are equally applicable to embodiments in which a first homogenized plant material and a second homogenized plant material are present.

[0201] The homogenized rosemary material used in the aerosol-generating substrate according to the present invention may be produced by a variety of methods, including papermaking, casting, dough reconstitution, extrusion, or any other suitable process.

[0202] The homogenized rosemary material is preferably in the form of a "cast leaf". The term "cast leaf" refers to a sheet product made by a casting process based on casting a slurry containing plant particles (e.g., rosemary particles, or a mixture of tobacco particles and rosemary 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. Examples of the casting or cast leaf process are 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 aggregated in the presence of a binder. The slurry is cast onto a support surface and dried to form a sheet of the homogenized rosemary material.

[0203] In certain preferred embodiments, the homogenized rosemary material used in the articles according to the invention is produced by casting. The homogenized rosemary material made by the casting process typically contains aggregated particulate plant material.

[0204] In the cast leaf process, since substantially all of the soluble fraction is retained within the plant material, most of the flavor is advantageously preserved. Also, energy-intensive papermaking processes are avoided.

[0205] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, to form a homogenized rosemary material, a mixture is formed that includes particulate plant material, water, a binder, and an aerosol former. Both the particulate plant material and the aerosol former are as described above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention. 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 non-water components relative to the total weight of all non-water components 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 non-water components relative to the weight of the entire aqueous mixture, expressed as a percentage.

[0206] The mixture may be a slurry. As used herein, "slurry" is a homogenized aqueous mixture having a relatively low dry weight. The slurry used in the methods herein preferably may have a dry weight of 5 percent to 60 percent.

[0207] Alternatively, the mixture may be a dough. As used herein, "dough" is an aqueous mixture having a relatively high dry weight. The dough used in the methods herein preferably may have a dry weight of at least 60 percent, more preferably at least 70 percent.

[0208] Slurries containing a dry weight in excess of 30 percent and dough are preferred in certain embodiments of the methods of the present invention.

[0209] The step of mixing the particulate plant material, water, and any other optional components can be carried out by any suitable means. For low-viscosity mixtures, i.e., some slurries, 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 doughs, a kneading process can be used to uniformly distribute the various phases of the mixture.

[0210] The method according to the present invention may further include the step of vibrating the mixture to distribute various components. Vibrating the mixture, i.e., vibrating a tank or silo in which, for example, 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. If 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.

[0211] When the mixture is a slurry, the web of homogenized rosemary material is preferably formed by a casting process including casting the slurry onto a support surface such as a belt conveyor. The method for producing the homogenized rosemary 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 dried sheet is preferably about 5 percent to about 15 percent based on the total weight of the sheet. Then, the sheet may 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.

[0212] If the mixture is in the form of 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 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 the 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.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] The method according to the invention may optionally further include the step of winding the sheet onto a bobbin after the drying step.

[0216] The present invention further provides an alternative papermaking method for producing sheets of homogenized plant material in the form of "plant paper."

[0217] Plant paper refers to a reconstituted plant sheet formed by a process of extracting plant 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 fiber before being recombined with the extract. In the method according to the present invention, the plant material will include rosemary particles, optionally combined with tobacco particles.

[0218] More specifically, the method for producing plant paper involves a first step of mixing plant material with water to form a dilute suspension, which primarily contains discrete cellulose fibers. The suspension has a lower viscosity and a higher water content than the slurries produced in casting processes. This first step may involve soaking, optionally in the presence of an alkali such as sodium hydroxide, and optionally the application of heat.

[0219] 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. Water remaining in the insoluble residue of the fibrous plant material can be drained through a screen acting as a sieve to allow a web of randomly woven fibers to be laid down. Water can be further removed from this web by pressing with rollers, optionally with the assistance of suction or vacuum.

[0220] After the aqueous portion and water are removed, the insoluble residue is formed into a sheet. Preferably, a generally flat, uniform sheet of plant fiber is formed.

[0221] Preferably, the method further comprises concentrating the extract of soluble plant compounds removed from the sheet and adding the concentrated extract to the sheet of insoluble fibrous plant material to form a sheet of homogenized plant material. Alternatively or additionally, soluble plant material or concentrated plant material from another process may be added to the sheet. The extract or concentrated extract may be from a different variety of the same species of plant, or from a different species of plant.

[0222] This process has been used with tobacco to make reconstituted tobacco products, also known as tobacco paper, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,012. The same process can be used with one or more plants to produce paper-like sheet materials, such as rosemary paper sheets.

[0223] In a particular preferred embodiment, the homogenized rosemary material used in the article according to the present invention is produced by the papermaking process defined above. Homogenized tobacco material or the homogenized rosemary material produced by such a process is called tobacco paper or rosemary paper. The homogenized plant material produced by the papermaking process can be distinguished by the presence of multiple fibers throughout the material, which are visible to the eye or under an optical microscope, especially when the paper is moistened with 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 moistened. Mixed tobacco rosemary paper refers to the homogenized plant material produced by such a process that uses a mixture of tobacco material and rosemary material.

[0224] In embodiments where the aerosol - generating substrate comprises a combination of rosemary particles and tobacco particles, the aerosol - generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of rosemary paper and one or more sheets of tobacco paper. The sheets of rosemary paper and tobacco paper may be inserted into each other or stacked on each other before being assembled to form a rod. Optionally, the sheets may be crimped. Alternatively, the sheets of rosemary 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 rosemary in the aerosol - generating substrate can be adjusted by varying the respective number of sheets of tobacco and rosemary, or the respective amounts of rosemary and tobacco strands, strips, or pieces within the rod.

[0225] For example, the number or amount of sheets or strands of tobacco and rosemary can be adjusted to provide a ratio of rosemary to tobacco of about 1:4, or about 1:9, or about 1:30.

[0226] Other known processes that can be applied to the production 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.

[0227] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the homogenized rosemary material is in the form of a gel composition formed from rosemary particles, an aerosol - former, and a binder.

[0228] Preferably, when the homogenized rosemary material is in the form of a gel composition containing rosemary particles, the binder comprises 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 comprise 1.5 weight percent to 3.5 weight percent carboxymethyl sodium cellulose.

[0229] The gel composition preferably comprises 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 comprise 65 to 85 weight percent glycerin.

[0230] Optionally, the gel composition may further comprise 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 comprise up to about 5 weight percent nicotine, based on the total weight of the gel composition. Optionally, the gel composition comprises about 10 weight percent to about 30 weight percent water, based on the total weight of the gel composition.

[0231] In embodiments in which the homogenized rosemary material is in the form of a gel composition, the aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises 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 the passage of air through the material.

[0232] The porous medium may be any suitable porous material capable of holding or retaining the gel composition. Ideally, the porous medium should be able to allow 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 bar fibers, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the porous medium includes woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, or extruded materials, 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.

[0233] 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 before or after loading the gel composition.

[0234] Preferably, when the homogenized rosemary material is in the form of a gel composition loaded on the porous medium, the aerosol generating substrate comprises an elongated susceptor element extending in the longitudinal direction through or adjacent to the porous medium.

[0235] Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention includes at least about 200 mg of homogenized rosemary material, more preferably at least about 250 mg of homogenized rosemary material, and even more preferably at least about 300 mg of homogenized rosemary material.

[0236] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention comprises a rod containing a substrate within one or more plugs. The rod of aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of from about 5 mm to about 120 mm. For example, the rod may preferably have a length of from about 10 to about 45 mm, more preferably from about 10 mm to 15 mm, and most preferably about 12 mm.

[0237] In alternative embodiments, 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 aerosol-generating substrate, the plug has the same length as the rod.

[0238] The rods of aerosol-generating substrates may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 10 mm depending on their intended use. For example, in some embodiments, the rods 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 aerosol-generating substrate corresponds to the diameter of the rod including any wrapper.

[0239] The rod of aerosol-generating substrate in an 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 comprise a paper wrapper, a non-paper wrapper, or both. Suitable paper wrappers for use in certain embodiments of the present invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cigarette paper and filter plug wrap. Suitable non-paper wrappers for use in certain embodiments of the present invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, sheets of homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco wrappers are particularly suitable for use in embodiments in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of homogenized rosemary material formed from particulate plant material, the particulate plant material containing rosemary particles in combination with a low weight percentage of tobacco particles, such as between 20 weight percent and 0 weight percent tobacco particles, on a dry weight basis.

[0240] 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, e.g., aluminum foil or metallized paper. The metal foil or metallized paper serves the purpose of rapidly conducting heat across the entire aerosol generating substrate. Additionally, 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 externally heated during use to generate an 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.

[0241] 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.

[0242] 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, and even 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 respect to the wrapper even when in a fixed position.

[0243] The aerosol generating article according to the present invention also includes, but is not limited to, cartridges or shisha consumables.

[0244] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may optionally include a support element having 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 contact 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 may be made of any material such as cellulose acetate, polymer, cardboard, or paper.

[0245] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention optionally comprises 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 compounds released from the aerosol-generating substrate passes through and is cooled by the aerosol cooling element before being inhaled by the user. The low 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, 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 that of the hollow tube of the support element, but an inner diameter smaller or larger than that of the hollow tube of the support element.

[0246] In one embodiment, the aerosol cooling element wrapped with paper comprises one or more longitudinal channels made of any suitable material, such as a 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 with 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 wound within filter paper. In another preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element is made of woven filaments of a synthetic polymer, such as polylactic acid filaments wound with paper and including longitudinal channels.

[0247] One or more additional hollow tubes may be provided downstream of the aerosol cooling element.

[0248] The aerosol generating article according to the present invention may further include a filter or a mouthpiece downstream of the aerosol generating substrate and, if present, the support element and the aerosol cooling element. The filter may include 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 paper; adsorbents such as activated alumina, zeolite, molecular sieves, and silica gel; biodegradable polymers including, for example, polylactic acid (PLA), Matabi (registered trademark), hydrophobic viscose fiber, 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.

[0249] 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 the 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.

[0250] The aerosol generating article according to the present invention preferably further includes 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.

[0251] The aerosol generating article according to the present invention may optionally further include 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 fibrous filter material such as cellulose acetate.

[0252] 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 mouthpiece 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.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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 rosemary material in the form of a plurality of strands, and the homogenized rosemary 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, and a mouthpiece 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.

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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.

[0257] The aerosol-generating article may 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.

[0258] The aerosol-generating article according to the present invention may further comprise one or more aerosol-modifying elements. The aerosol-modifying element may 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 the aerosol passing through the 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.

[0259] The aerosol modifier may be one or more of moisture or a liquid flavorant. Water or moisture may modify the user's sensory experience, for example, by wetting the generated aerosol, which may provide a cooling effect to the aerosol and reduce the perception of harshness experienced by the user. The aerosol-modifying element may 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 rosemary material, for example, by adding the flavor to the slurry or raw material during the production of the homogenized rosemary material, or by spraying the liquid flavorant onto the surface of the homogenized rosemary material.

[0260] One or more liquid flavorants can include any flavor compound or plant extract suitable for being disposed in a flavor delivery element in a form that can be released in liquid form to enhance the taste of the aerosol generated during use of the aerosol-generating article. A liquid or solid flavorant can also be disposed directly in 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 eliminating 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, blends thereof, and the like.

[0261] 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 rosemary material can include rosemary oil such as rosemary essential oil to further enhance the rosemary flavor delivered to the consumer upon heating.

[0262] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol-generating substrate can include a homogenized plant material that includes particulate plant material such as tea particles in combination with rosemary oil.

[0263] The aerosol modifier can be an adsorbent material such as activated carbon that removes certain components of the aerosol passing through the filter, thereby changing the flavor and aroma of the aerosol.

[0264] 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 rosemary material and an aerosol modifying element. In various embodiments, the aerosol modifying element may be placed adjacent to the homogenized rosemary material or embedded within the homogenized rosemary 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, such as within a filter plug, or within a cavity, preferably within a cavity between filter plugs. One or more aerosol modifying elements may be in one or more forms of a thread, capsule, microcapsule, bead, or polymeric matrix material, or combinations thereof.

[0265] 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.

[0266] 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 internal core of the capsule contains an aerosol modifier that can be released upon breakage of the external 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, preferably within a cavity between filter plugs.

[0267] When the aerosol modifying element is in the form of a polymeric matrix material, the polymeric matrix material releases the flavorant when the aerosol-generating article is heated, such as when the polymeric matrix is heated above the melting point of the polymeric matrix material, as described in WO-A-2013 / 034488. Typically, such a polymeric matrix material may be located within beads within the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, or additionally, the flavorant may be confined within a domain of the polymeric matrix material and releasable from the polymeric matrix material upon compression of the polymeric matrix material. Preferably, the flavorant is released upon compression of the polymeric matrix material at a force of about 15 Newtons. Such a flavor modifying element may provide sustained release of the liquid flavorant over a force range of at least 5 Newtons, such as 5N to 20N, as described in WO 2013 / 068304. Typically, such a polymeric matrix material may be located within beads within a filter.

[0268] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a combustible heat source and an aerosol-generating substrate downstream of the combustible heat source, the aerosol-generating substrate being as described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

[0269] For example, the substrates described herein may 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 a rear portion of the combustible carbon-based heat source and an adjacent front portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, although it will be appreciated that the substrates described herein may also be used in heated aerosol-generating articles with combustible heat sources having other configurations.

[0270] The present invention provides an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device including a heating element and an aerosol-generating article for use in the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate described above.

[0271] 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.

[0272] 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.

[0273] The heating element of such an aerosol generating device may be in any suitable form for conducting 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 may partially or completely surround the substrate and circumferentially heat the substrate from the outside.

[0274] The aerosol generating system may 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 may 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 may be heated as a result of hysteresis losses or induced eddy currents, which heat the susceptor through ohmic heating or resistive heating.

[0275] An electrically operated aerosol generation 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 generation 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.

[0276] 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 rosemary 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 rosemary material sheet of the substrate. Alternatively, a susceptor in the form of one or more sheets, strips, fragments, or rods can be used as being placed adjacent to or embedded within the homogenized rosemary 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 elongated susceptor element extending axially through the substrate. In another embodiment, the susceptor is present within the aerosol generating device.

[0277] The susceptor may have a heat loss greater than 0.05 Joules / kilogram, preferably greater than 0.1 Joules / kilogram. Heat loss is the capacity of the susceptor to transfer heat to surrounding materials. Because the susceptor particles are preferably uniformly distributed within the aerosol-generating substrate, uniform heat loss from the susceptor particles is achieved, thereby creating a uniform heat distribution within the aerosol-generating substrate and resulting in a uniform temperature distribution within the aerosol-generating article. It has been found that a specific minimum heat loss of 0.05 Joules / kilogram in the susceptor particles allows the aerosol-generating substrate to be heated to a substantially uniform temperature to provide aerosol generation. In such embodiments, the average temperature reached within the aerosol-generating substrate is preferably between about 200°C and about 240°C.

[0278] Reducing the risk of overheating the aerosol-generating substrate can be achieved by using a susceptor material with a Curie temperature, which allows the heating process due to hysteresis losses to reach only a certain maximum temperature. The susceptor may have a Curie temperature between about 200°C and about 450°C, preferably between about 240°C and about 400°C, for example, about 280°C. When the susceptor material reaches its Curie temperature, it changes magnetic properties. At the Curie temperature, the susceptor material changes from a ferromagnetic to a paramagnetic phase. At this point, heating due to energy losses caused by the orientation of the ferromagnetic regions ceases. Thereafter, further heating is primarily based on the formation of eddy currents, so that the heating process is automatically reduced once the Curie temperature of the susceptor material is reached. The susceptor material and its Curie temperature are preferably matched to the composition of the aerosol-generating substrate to achieve optimal temperature and temperature distribution within the aerosol-generating substrate for optimal aerosol generation.

[0279] 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 rosemary material according to the present invention. The particles are preferably fully sintered ferrite powders such as FP160, FP215, FP350, etc. by PPT (Indiana, USA).

[0280] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate as defined above, a source of aerosol-forming agent, and means for vaporizing the aerosol-forming agent, preferably the heating element described above. The source of aerosol-forming agent can be a refillable or replaceable reservoir present on the aerosol-generating 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-generating 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-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating system may further comprise a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate, preferably tuned to the aerosol-forming agent. However, in certain embodiments, the heating element used to heat the aerosol-generating article is separated from the heater that heats the aerosol-forming agent.

[0281] As defined above, the present invention further provides an aerosol generated upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol comprising a specific amount and ratio of characteristic compounds derived from the rosemary particles as defined above.

[0282] According to the present invention, the aerosol comprises at least 0.5 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol, at least 0.01 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol, and at least 0.01 micrograms of 12-O-methylcarnosol per puff of the aerosol, and the puff of the aerosol has a volume of 55 milliliters when generated by a smoking machine. 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 the puff of the aerosol has a smoking volume of 55 milliliters generated by a smoking machine. Thus, any reference in this specification to a "puff" of the aerosol is understood to refer to a 55-milliliter puff, unless otherwise stated.

[0283] 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 in 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 by a smoking machine such as that used in the Health Canada test method described herein.

[0284] Preferably, the aerosol according to the present invention contains at least about 0.5 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol, more preferably at least about 2 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably at least about 5 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate contains at most about 25 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol, preferably at most about 20 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol, and more preferably at most about 15 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate may contain from about 0.5 micrograms to about 25 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol, or from about 2 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol to about 20 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol, or from about 5 micrograms to about 15 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol.

[0285] Preferably, the aerosol according to the present invention contains at least about 0.1 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol, more preferably at least about 0.5 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate preferably contains at most about 5 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol, more preferably at most about 2 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably at most about 1 microgram of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate may contain from about 0.01 micrograms to about 5 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol, or from about 0.1 micrograms to about 2 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol, or from about 0.5 micrograms to about 1 microgram of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol.

[0286] Preferably, the aerosol according to the present invention contains at least about 0.1 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per puff of the aerosol, more preferably at least about 0.5 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per puff of the aerosol. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol generated from the aerosol - generating substrate preferably contains at most about 5 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per puff of the aerosol, more preferably at most about 2 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably at most about 1 microgram of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per puff of the aerosol. For example, the aerosol generated from the aerosol - generating substrate may contain from about 0.01 micrograms to about 5 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per puff of the aerosol, or from about 0.1 micrograms to about 2 micrograms of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per puff of the aerosol, or from about 0.5 micrograms to about 1 microgram of 12 - O - methylcarnosol per puff of the aerosol.

[0287] According to the present invention, the aerosol composition is such that the amount of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol is preferably at least about 5 times the amount of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol. Thus, the ratio of betulinic acid to rosmaridiphenol in the aerosol is preferably at least about 5:1.

[0288] Preferably, the amount of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol is at least 10 times the amount of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol. More preferably, the amount of betulinic acid per puff of the aerosol is at least 20 times the amount of rosmaridiphenol per puff of the aerosol.

[0289] The defined ratio of betulinic acid to rosmaridiphenol characterizes the aerosol derived from rosemary particles. In contrast, for the aerosol generated from rosemary essential oil, the ratio of betulinic acid to rosmaridiphenol will be significantly different.

[0290] Aerosols according to the present invention preferably further comprise at least about 0.1 milligrams of aerosol former per aerosol puff, more preferably at least about 0.2 milligrams of aerosol per aerosol puff, and even more preferably at least about 0.3 milligrams of aerosol former per aerosol puff. Preferably, the aerosols comprise at most 0.6 milligrams of aerosol former per aerosol puff, more preferably at most 0.5 milligrams of aerosol former per aerosol puff, and even more preferably at most 0.4 milligrams of aerosol former per aerosol puff. For example, the aerosols may comprise between about 0.1 milligrams and about 0.6 milligrams of aerosol former per aerosol puff, or between about 0.2 milligrams and about 0.5 milligrams of aerosol former per aerosol puff, or between about 0.3 milligrams and about 0.4 milligrams of aerosol former per aerosol puff. These values are based on a smoke volume of 55 milliliters, as defined above.

[0291] Suitable aerosol formers for use in the present invention are described above.

[0292] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating 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.

[0293] Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol according to the present invention may optionally further comprise at least about 0.5 milligrams of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol, more preferably further comprises at least about 1 milligram of a cannabinoid compound per puff of the aerosol, and even more preferably further comprises 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.

[0294] The cannabinoid compound is preferably selected from CBD and THC. More preferably, the cannabinoid compound is CBD.

[0295] 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. Nitrogen oxides such as nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide may also be present in the aerosol and may be measured and used to further characterize the aerosol.

[0296] The aerosol according to the present invention containing characteristic compounds from rosemary 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 the above-mentioned nicotine, 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.

[0297] The aerodynamic median particle diameter (MMAD) of the aerosol refers to the particle mechanical diameter where half of the particulate mass of the aerosol is occupied by particles having an aerodynamic diameter greater 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 being characterized.

[0298] 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.

[0299] As defined above, the present invention is an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a homogenized rosemary material, and upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate by Test Method A, the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least 0.5 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of aerosol, at least 0.01 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per puff of aerosol, and at least 0.01 micrograms of 12-O-methylcarnosol per puff of aerosol, and the puff of aerosol has a volume of 55 milliliters when generated by a smoking machine, and further provides an aerosol-generating article.

[0300] 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 the puff of aerosol has a smoking volume of 55 milliliters generated by a smoking machine. Thus, any reference in this specification to "puff" of aerosol is understood to refer to a 55-milliliter puff, unless otherwise stated. The ranges shown define the total amount of each component measured in a 55-milliliter puff of aerosol. The aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating substrate using any suitable means and may be confined and analyzed as described above to identify and measure the amount of characteristic compounds within the aerosol. For example, "puff" may correspond to a 55-milliliter puff measured by a smoking machine such as that used in the Health Canada test method described herein.

[0301] Preferably, the amount of betulinic acid per puff of aerosol is at least 5 times, more preferably at least 10 times, and even more preferably at least 20 times the amount of rosmaridiphenol per puff of aerosol.

[0302] As defined above, the present invention also provides an aerosol generating substrate formed from a homogenized rosemary material, comprising 1 wt% to 25 wt% of rosemary particles, 5 wt% to 30 wt% of an aerosol former, and 1 wt% to 10 wt% of a binder, wherein the aerosol generating substrate comprises at least 30 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate, at least 1 microgram of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate, and at least 1 microgram of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate, on a dry weight basis.

[0303] Specific embodiments will be further described by way of illustration only with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0304]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 5

Figure 6a-6C

[0043] Figure 6a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a filter 1050 further including an aerosol modifying element. Figure 6a illustrates an aerosol modifying element in the form of a spherical capsule or bead within a filter plug, Figure 6b illustrates an aerosol modifying element in the form of a thread within a filter plug, and Figure 6c illustrates an aerosol modifying element in the form of a spherical capsule within a cavity within the filter.

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0305] FIG. 1 illustrates a heated aerosol-generating article 1000 including a substrate as described herein. The article 1000 comprises 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 sequentially arranged in a coaxial configuration and assembled with cigarette paper 1060 to form the aerosol-generating article 1000. The article 1000 has a mouth end 1012, which a user inserts into the mouth during use, and a distal end 1013 at the opposite end of the article from the mouth end 1012. The embodiment of the aerosol-generating article illustrated in FIG. 1 is particularly suitable for use in an electrically operated aerosol-generating device that includes a heater for heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0306] When assembled, article 1000 is approximately 45 millimeters long, has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters, and an inner diameter of approximately 6.9 millimeters.

[0307] The aerosol-generating substrate 1020 comprises a plug formed from a sheet of homogenized rosemary material containing rosemary particles alone or in combination with tobacco particles.

[0308] Some examples of suitable homogenized plant materials for forming the aerosol generating substrate 1020 are shown in Table 1 below (see Samples B - D). Sheets are assembled, crimped, and wrapped with a filter paper (not shown) to form a plug. The sheets contain additives including glycerin as an aerosol former.

[0309] 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.

[0310] When engaged with the aerosol generating device, the user inhales 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.

[0311] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of an electrically - operated aerosol generating system 2000 that utilizes a heating blade 2100 for heating the aerosol generating substrate 1020 of the aerosol generating article 1000. The heating blade is mounted within the aerosol article receiving chamber of an electrically - operating aerosol generating device 2010. The aerosol generating device defines a plurality of air holes 2050 to allow air to flow to the aerosol generating article 1000. The air flow is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2. The aerosol generating device includes a power source and electronic components, which are not shown in FIG. 2. The aerosol generating article 1000 of FIG. 2 is as described with respect to FIG. 1.

[0312] In the alternative configuration shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating system is shown with a combustible heating element. The article 1000 of FIG. 1 is intended to be consumed in conjunction with an aerosol generating device, while the article 1001 of FIG. 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 the aerosol generating substrate at the distal end 13 of the rod 11. Elements essentially the same as each element of FIG. 1 are given the same number.

[0313] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate a second embodiment of heated aerosol generating articles 4000a, 4000b. The aerosol generating substrates 4020a, 4020b comprise a first downstream plug 4021 formed from particulate plant material comprising rosemary particles and a second upstream plug 4022 formed from particulate plant material comprising mainly tobacco particles. A suitable homogenized plant material for use in the first downstream plug is shown as one of Samples B - D in Table 1 below. A suitable homogenized plant material for use in the second upstream plug is shown as Sample A in Table 1 below. Sample A contains only tobacco particles and is included for comparison purposes only.

[0314] In each plug, the homogenized plant material is in the form of a sheet, which is curled and wrapped 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 end - to - end abutting relationship to form a rod, each being approximately 6 mm in length. 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 is 7 or 7.5 mm in length, while the first plug is 5 or 4.5 mm in length to provide a desired ratio of tobacco particles to rosemary particles in the substrate. In FIG. 4b, the cellulose acetate tube support element 1030 is omitted.

[0315] Articles 4000a and 4000b, which are similar to article 1000 of FIG. 1, are particularly suitable for use in an electrically operated aerosol generation system 2000 equipped with a heater shown in FIG. 2. Elements that are essentially the same as each element in FIG. 1 are given the same number. It can be assumed by those skilled in the art that a combustible heat source (not shown) can alternatively be used in a second embodiment in a configuration similar to the configuration including the combustible heat source 1080 of article 1001 of FIG. 3, instead of the electric heating element.

[0316] FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of a heated aerosol generating article 5000. The aerosol generation substrate 5020 comprises a rod formed from a first sheet of homogenized rosemary material formed from particulate plant material containing a certain proportion of rosemary particles, and a second sheet of homogenized plant material mainly containing cast leaf tobacco.

[0317] A suitable homogenized rosemary material for use as the first sheet is shown in Table 1 below as one of Samples B - D. A suitable homogenized plant material for use as the second sheet is shown in Table 1 below as Sample A. Sample A contains only tobacco particles and is included for comparison purposes only.

[0318] 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 containing glycerol as an aerosol former. Article 5000, which is similar to article 1000 of FIG. 1, is particularly suitable for use in an electrically operated aerosol generation system 2000 equipped with a heater shown in FIG. 2. Elements that are essentially the same as each element in FIG. 1 are given the same number. It can be assumed by those skilled in the art that a combustible heat source (not shown) can alternatively be used in a third embodiment in a configuration similar to the configuration including the combustible heat source 1080 of article 1001 of FIG. 3, instead of the electric heating element.

[0319] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a filter 1050 further comprising an aerosol modifying element. In FIG. 6a, the filter 1050 further comprises an aerosol modifying element in the form of spherical capsules or beads 605.

[0320] 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, for example, when the filter is subjected to an external force by compression by a consumer. In the illustrated embodiment, the capsule is generally spherical and has a substantially continuous outer shell containing the liquid flavorant.

[0321] 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.

[0322] In the embodiment of Figure 6c, filter segment 601 comprises two or more plugs 603, 603' of filter material. The plugs of filter material 603, 603' are formed from cellulose acetate so as to be capable of filtering the aerosol provided by the aerosol-generating article. A wrapper 609 is wrapped around and connects the filter plugs 603, 603'. Within cavity 611 is capsule 605, which includes an outer shell and an inner core, the inner core containing a liquid flavorant. Alternatively, the capsule may be similar to the embodiment of Figure 6a.

[0323] 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating substrate 1020 further comprising elongated susceptor strips 705. The aerosol-generating substrate 1020 comprises a plug 703 formed from a sheet of homogenized rosemary material containing tobacco particles and rosemary particles. The elongated susceptor strips 705 are embedded within the plug 703 and extend longitudinally between the upstream and downstream ends of the plug 703. During use, the elongated susceptor strips 705 heat the homogenized rosemary material by induction heating, as described above. [Example]

[0324] As described above with reference to the figures, different samples of homogenized plant material for use in aerosol-generating substrates according to the present invention can be prepared from aqueous slurries having the compositions shown in Table 1. Samples B-D contain rosemary particles according to the present invention and tobacco particles. Sample A contains only tobacco particles and is included for comparative purposes only.

[0325] The particulate plant material in all samples A through D constitutes 75 percent of the dry weight of the homogenized plant material, while glycerol, guar gum, and cellulose fiber constitute the remaining 25 percent of the dry weight of the homogenized plant material. The samples are prepared from aqueous slurries containing 78–79 kg of water per 100 kg of slurry.

[0326] In the following table, %DWB refers to "dry weight basis", in which case it is the weight percentage calculated with respect to the dry weight of the homogenized plant material. Rosemary powder can be formed from the leaves of Spanish Rosmarinus Officinalis and can be ground to a final D95 = 133 microns by a triple impact mill.

[0327] The slurry may be cast onto a glass plate using a casting bar (0.6 mm), dried in an oven at 140 degrees Celsius for 7 minutes, and then dried in a second oven at 120 degrees Celsius for 30 seconds. Table 1. Dry content of the slurry [Table 1]

[0328] For each of samples A - D of the homogenized plant material, plugs can be produced from a single continuous sheet of the homogenized plant material, each sheet having a width of 100 mm to 125 mm. The individual sheets preferably have a thickness of about 220 microns and a basis weight of about 200 g / m 2 2. The cut width of each sheet can be adapted based on the thickness of each sheet to produce rods of comparable volume. The sheets can be curled to a height of 165 microns to 170 microns, rolled into plugs having a length of about 12 mm and a diameter of about 7 mm, and surrounded by a paper wrapper.

[0329] For each of the plugs, an aerosol generating article having a total length of about 45 mm can have a structure as shown in Figure 3 and, from the downstream end, a mouth - side end cellulose acetate filter (about 7 mm in length), an aerosol spacer comprising a curled sheet of polylactic acid polymer (about 18 mm in length), a hollow acetate tube (about 8 mm in length), and a plug of the aerosol generating substrate, and can be formed.

[0330] For a sample of a homogenized rosemary material containing rosemary particles, characteristic compounds of rosemary can be extracted from a plug of the homogenized rosemary material using methanol, as detailed above. The extract can be analyzed as described above to confirm the presence of characteristic compounds and measure the amount of characteristic compounds. This can be used to confirm that the level of characteristic compounds is within the range defined as described above. Therefore, analysis can be used to provide quality control for the aerosol generation substrate. For example, the extract can be analyzed to confirm that the levels of betulinic acid, rosmaridiphenol, and 12-O-methylcarnosol are within the ranges described below in Table 2. Table 2. Amounts of rosemary-specific compounds in the aerosol generation substrate [Table 2]

[0331] The mainstream aerosol of an aerosol product incorporating an aerosol generation substrate formed from samples A - D of homogenized plant material can be generated according to Test Method A as defined above. For each sample, the generated aerosol can be trapped and analyzed.

[0332] As detailed above, in accordance with Test Method A, the aerosol product can be tested using a commercially available IQOS® heat-not-burn tobacco heating system 2.2 holder (THS2.2 holder) of Philip Morris Products SA. The aerosol product is 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 mechanical smoking regimen (as described in ISO / TR 19478-1:2014).

[0333] During the smoking test, the aerosol generated is collected on a Cambridge filter pad and extracted with a liquid solvent. Figure 10 shows a suitable apparatus for generating and collecting the aerosol from the aerosol-generating article.

[0334] The aerosol generator 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 ISO4387 and ISO3308.

[0335] For 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 micro syringe 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 syringe.

[0336] The CFP and impinger-trapped gas-vapor phase solution 180 are combined in a clean Pyrex® tube in step 190. In step 200, all particulate matter is extracted from the CFP using the impinger-trapped gas-vapor phase solution 180 (containing methanol as a solvent) by thorough shaking (to disintegrate the CFP), stirring for 5 minutes, and finally centrifugation (4500 g, 5 minutes, 10°C). An aliquot (300 μL) of the total reconstituted aerosol extract 220 was transferred to a silanized chromatography vial and diluted with methanol (700 μL) because the extraction solvent 170, 170a already contained the internal standard (ISTD) solution. The vial was closed and mixed for 5 minutes using an Eppendorf ThermoMixer (5°C, 2000 rpm).

[0337] For compound identification, aliquots (1.5 μL) of the diluted extract were injected and analyzed by LC-HRAM-MS in both full scan and data-dependent fragmentation modes.

[0338] About GCxGC-TOFMS analysis: As mentioned above, when preparing samples for GCxGC-TOFMS experiments, different solvents are appropriate for the extraction and analysis of polar, nonpolar, and volatile compounds separated from whole aerosols. The experimental setup is identical to that described for LC-HRAM-MS sample collection, with the exceptions noted below.

[0339] 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 at 80:20 v / v and also contain the retention index marker (RIM) compound and the stable isotope labeled internal standard (ISTD). The cold baths 162, 162a each contain a dry ice - isopropanol mixture for maintaining the micro syringes 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 micro syringes 160, 160a. The combined solution from the two micro syringes is separated in step 182 as the gas - vapor phase solution 210 trapped in the syringes.

[0340] Non - polar The CFP and the gas - vapor phase solution 210 trapped in the syringe 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 break down 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 trapped in the syringe (containing dichloromethane and methanol as solvents).

[0341] 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 entire 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.

[0342] Polar The ISTD and the RIM compound were added to the polar fraction 280 and this was directly analyzed by GCxGC - TOFMS in full scan mode.

[0343] Each smoking replicate (n = 3) for each sample included the accumulation of 270 of the confined reconstituted nonpolar fraction and 280 of the nonpolar fraction.

[0344] Volatile components The entire aerosol was confined using two microimpingers 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 microimpinger 160, 160a. The cold baths 161, 161a each contain dry ice-isopropanol ether to maintain the microimpingers 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 microimpingers 160, 160a. The combined solution from the two microimpingers 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.

[0345] Table 3 below shows the levels of characteristic compounds from rosemary particles in the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, which includes an aerosol-generating substrate formed from a homogenized rosemary material containing rosemary particles. Table 3. Content of Characteristic Compounds of Rosemary in Aerosol [Table 3]

[0346] For example, in the aerosol generated from sample B, relatively high levels of characteristic compounds will be measured. The ratio of betulinic acid to rosmaridiphenol will usually be greater than 20 to 1. Therefore, the level of characteristic compounds will indicate the presence of rosemary particles in the sample. In contrast, for tobacco-only sample A that contains substantially no rosemary particles, the level of characteristic compounds was found to be zero or nearly zero.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate formed from homogenized rosemary material, the aerosol-generating substrate comprising, on a dry weight basis, from 1 weight percent to 25 weight percent rosemary particles, from 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent aerosol former, and from 1 weight percent to 10 weight percent binder; The aerosol-generating substrate is at least 50 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of said substrate on a dry weight basis; at least 20 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per gram of said substrate on a dry weight basis; at least 0.3 micrograms of 12-O-methylcarnosol per gram of said substrate on a dry weight basis; Including, Aerosol-generating items.

2. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the amount of betulinic acid per gram of substrate is at least five times the amount of rosmaridiphenol per gram of substrate.

3. 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises more than 0.5 percent by weight of 1,8-cineole.

4. Upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate in a THS2.2 holder under Health Canada's mechanical smoking regimen as defined in ISO / TR 19478-1:2014, at least 30 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of said substrate on a dry weight basis; at least 1 microgram of rosmaridiphenol per gram of said substrate on a dry weight basis; at least 1 microgram of 12-O-methylcarnosol per gram of said substrate on a dry weight basis; The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which generates an aerosol comprising:

5. 5. The aerosol-generating article of claim 4, wherein the amount of betulinic acid per gram of substrate is at least five times the amount of rosmaridiphenol per gram of substrate.

6. 6. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the homogenized rosemary material further comprises at least 40 percent by weight of tobacco particles on a dry weight basis.

7. The aerosol generating article according to claim 6, wherein the homogenized rosemary material comprises 5 wt% to 20 wt% of rosemary particles and 55 wt% to 70 wt% of tobacco particles on a dry weight basis.

8. The aerosol generating substrate comprises one or more sheets of the homogenized rosemary material, and each of the one or more sheets of the homogenized rosemary material is individually 100 μm to 600 μm in thickness, or About 100 g / m 2 to about 300 g / m 2 basis weight, The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising one or more of the above.

9. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the homogenized rosemary material is in the form of a cast leaf.

10. With the heating of the aerosol generating substrate in the THS2.2 holder under the Health Canada's mechanical smoking regimen as defined in ISO / TR 19478-1:2014, the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substrate is At least 0.5 micrograms of betulinic acid per puff of aerosol, and At least 0.01 micrograms of rosmaridiphenol per puff of aerosol, and At least 0.01 micrograms of 12-O-methyl carnosol per puff of aerosol, and Including The puff of aerosol has a volume of 55 milliliters when generated by a smoking machine, The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An aerosol generating substrate formed from a homogenized rosemary material, comprising 1 wt% to 25 wt% of rosemary particles, 5 wt% to 30 wt% of an aerosol former, and 1 wt% to 10 wt% of a binder, The aerosol generating substrate is At least 30 micrograms of betulinic acid per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and At least 1 microgram of rosmaridiphenol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and At least 1 microgram of 12-O-methyl carnosol per gram of the substrate on a dry weight basis, and Including Aerosol generating substrate.

12. An aerosol generating system, comprising An aerosol generating device comprising a heating element, and The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and An aerosol generating system comprising.

Images