Smokeless tobacco product for oral use and soft capsule used therein

Abstract

Provided is a soft capsule to be used in a smokeless tobacco product for oral use, the soft capsule comprising a capsule coating film and a content encapsulated by the capsule coating film, and the soft capsule having breaking hardness of 20 N to 200 N inclusive and a disintegration time of shorter than 5 minutes when measured by the disintegration test method as prescribed in Japanese Pharmacopoeia.

Description

Soft capsules used in oral smokeless tobacco products

[0001] The present invention relates to a soft capsule used in an oral smokeless tobacco product and an oral smokeless tobacco product containing the soft capsule.

[0002] Tobacco can be enjoyed in so-called "smokeless" forms. Typical smokeless tobacco products are utilized by inserting processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulations into the user's mouth. There are various types of oral smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco, moist smokeless tobacco, snus, and dry snuff. Chewing tobacco is coarsely shredded tobacco leaves, typically packaged in large pouches and consumed as a single piece or twist. Moist smokeless tobacco is moist, finely shredded tobacco, provided in loose or pouch form, with a pinch or pouch placed between the cheek and gums of an adult tobacco consumer. Snus is heat-treated smokeless tobacco. Dry snuff is finely ground tobacco that is placed in the mouth or consumed through the nose. Various smokeless tobacco products have been developed and developed (e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,949,299).

[0003] International Publication No. 2009 / 015142

[0004] There is a need for new forms of smokeless tobacco products that allow users to enjoy the taste and aroma.

[0005] The present invention includes the following embodiments. [1] A soft capsule for use in an oral smokeless tobacco product, comprising a capsule shell and a content enclosed by the capsule shell, having a breaking hardness of 20 N to 200 N, and a disintegration time of less than 5 minutes as measured by a disintegration test specified in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. [2] The capsule according to [1], having a breaking energy of 25 N·mm or more. [3] The capsule according to [1] or [2], having a diameter of 2 to 6.5 mm. [4] The capsule according to any one of [1] to [3], having a shell ratio of 7 to 25% by weight. [5] The capsule according to any one of [1] to [4], having a distortion rate of 50% to 100%. [6] The capsule according to any one of [1] to [5], having a breaking hardness per breaking distance of 4 N / mm to 20 N / mm. [7] The capsule according to any one of [1] to [6], having a breaking hardness per capsule diameter of 9 N / mm to 20 N / mm. [8] The capsule according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the capsule shell contains at least one selected from gelatin and polysaccharides. [9] The capsule according to [8], wherein the gelatin contains at least one selected from the group consisting of porcine gelatin, bovine gelatin, and fish gelatin, and the polysaccharide contains at least one selected from the group consisting of galactomannan, agar, carrageenan, and alginic acid or a salt thereof.

[10] The capsule according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the capsule shell further contains at least one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, sugar alcohols, starch, starch derivatives, cellulose derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol, and triacetin.

[11] The capsule according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the contents contain a flavoring.

[12] The capsule according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the contents contain caryophyllene.

[13] The capsule according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the capsule shell has a thickness of 50 to 120 μm.

[14] An oral smokeless tobacco product comprising the capsule according to any one of [1] to

[13] .

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a soft capsule is provided that has excellent disintegrability and good fracture hardness and can be used in oral smokeless tobacco products. In some preferred aspects, the soft capsule has a good chewing sensation (breaking sensation) in the oral cavity, and allows the user to enjoy the taste and aroma of the contents, such as flavorings, contained in the capsule. Furthermore, the soft capsule can reduce or eliminate the foreign body sensation due to the rapid disintegration of the capsule shell in the oral cavity.

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be implemented with any modifications within the scope of the gist thereof. When there are several numerical ranges for matters indicated by numerical ranges, the lower limit and upper limit can be selectively combined to form a preferred embodiment. In this specification, when a numerical range is described as "XX to YY," it means "XX or more and YY or less." Furthermore, in the definitions of the upper and lower limit values ​​described in this specification, the numerical range from the lower limit value to the upper limit value can be specified by appropriately selecting from the respective options and combining them arbitrarily. Furthermore, multiple combinations of the various requirements described as preferred embodiments in this specification can be used.

[0008] 1. Capsules

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a soft capsule (hereinafter simply referred to as "capsule") used in an oral smokeless tobacco product. The capsule of this aspect includes a capsule shell and a content enclosed by the capsule shell. The capsule of this aspect has a core containing the content and a shell of the capsule shell. The capsule of this aspect may be a seamless capsule (a capsule without seams). In some embodiments, the capsule is a seamless capsule having a core containing the content and a shell of the capsule shell. The seamless capsule is manufactured by a dropping method. The capsule of this aspect may be a rotary capsule. A rotary capsule is a capsule manufactured by a rotary method in which a mold called a die roll is used to crimp and mold the capsule. The shape of the capsule is not particularly limited and may be, for example, spherical (e.g., a perfect sphere) or football-shaped.

[0010] Conventionally, several capsules have been developed in which a capsule containing a flavoring or the like is embedded in a cigarette filter and broken during smoking, allowing the user to enjoy the aroma of the capsule contents, the sound of the capsule bursting, and the feel of the capsule bursting. When these capsules were used in smokeless tobacco products, the capsule coating was poorly soluble, causing a foreign body sensation due to the residue of the coating. Furthermore, since most capsules used in filter cigarettes are crushed with the fingers, problems such as a poor breaking sensation or difficulty in breaking when chewed in the oral cavity have arisen. The capsule of the present invention, which has excellent disintegrability and good fracture hardness, solves these problems, allowing the user to enjoy the taste and aroma of the contents, such as a flavoring, contained in the capsule, along with a good chewing sensation (breaking sensation) in the oral cavity.

[0011] <Capsule Properties> The capsule of this form has a disintegration time (hereinafter simply referred to as "disintegration time") of less than 5 minutes, as measured by the disintegration test method specified in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. In this specification, "disintegration time" refers to the time it takes for a capsule to completely disintegrate when tested using water (liquid temperature: 37±2°C) according to the disintegration test method specified in the 18th Edition of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. In this specification, "complete disintegration" means that the capsule residue has completely dissolved and is no longer visible. A disintegration time of less than 5 minutes provides excellent water disintegrability and the capsule shell disintegrates quickly in the oral cavity, thereby reducing or eliminating the foreign body sensation caused by the remaining capsule shell when using a chewing tobacco product. The capsule disintegration time is preferably 4 minutes or less, more preferably 3 minutes or less, and even more preferably 2 minutes or less. The lower limit of the capsule disintegration time is not particularly limited, and a shorter time is preferable, but it may be, for example, 10 seconds or more, or 30 seconds or more. The capsule disintegration time can be adjusted within the range of the present invention by adjusting the coating formulation and coating thickness. For example, the solubility (short disintegration time) of capsules can be improved by incorporating highly soluble polysaccharides such as gelatin, carrageenan, and gellan gum into the shell. Also, the solubility (short disintegration time) of capsules can be improved by reducing the shell thickness.

[0012] The capsule of this embodiment has a breaking hardness of 20 N or more and 200 N or less. In this specification, "breaking hardness (AV)" refers to the maximum load (unit: N) at the moment the capsule breaks. A breaking hardness of 20 N or more allows for a pleasant chewing sensation in the oral cavity. Furthermore, damage to the capsule during capsule filling and transport can be prevented. A breaking hardness of more than 200 N may make the capsule too hard to break, making it difficult to break the capsule by chewing in the oral cavity. From the viewpoints of chewing sensation and ease of breaking, the breaking strength of the capsule is preferably 25 N or more, more preferably 30 N or more, even more preferably 34 N or more, and even more preferably 40 N or more. Furthermore, the breaking strength of the capsule is preferably 100 N or less, more preferably 80 N or less, even more preferably 75 N or less, and even more preferably 71 N or less. In some embodiments, the capsule has a breaking strength in the range of, for example, 25 to 100 N, 30 to 80 N, 34 to 71 N, 40 to 75 N, 34 to 71 N, or 40 to 71 N. Herein, breaking hardness is measured by continuously applying a load in the vertical direction to the capsule particle until it breaks. Specifically, breaking hardness is measured by the method described in the Examples below.

[0013] In some embodiments, the capsule has a breaking hardness per breaking distance (AV / L) of 4 N / mm or more and 20 N / mm or less. In this specification, the "breaking hardness per breaking distance" is calculated by dividing the capsule's breaking hardness (AV) by the breaking distance (L) (mm). In this specification, the "breaking hardness per breaking distance" is sometimes referred to as the "hardness" of the capsule. When the breaking hardness is high but the breaking distance is also large, the capsule may have a low hardness value and be easily broken. Therefore, such a hardness (breaking strength (AV) per breaking distance (L)) (AV / L) is one of the indicators that reflects the actual ease of breaking the capsule. If the breaking hardness is 4 N / mm or more, the capsule can be broken by chewing in the oral cavity. If the breaking hardness is 20 N / mm or less, the capsule can be easily broken by chewing in the oral cavity. From the viewpoint of obtaining a good chewiness, the breaking hardness per breaking distance (AV / L) is more preferably 9 N / mm or more, even more preferably 10 N / mm or more, even more preferably 11 N / mm or more, and even more preferably 12 N / mm or more. Furthermore, the breaking hardness per breaking distance (AV / L) is more preferably 19 N / mm or less, even more preferably 18 N / mm or less, and even more preferably 17 N / mm or less. In some embodiments, the breaking hardness per breaking distance (AV / L) is, for example, in the range of 9 to 20 N / mm, or 10 to 19 N / mm, 11 to 17 N / mm, 12 to 18 N / mm, or 12 to 17 N / mm.

[0014] As used herein, the term "fracture distance (L)" refers to the fracture hardness of a capsule, which is the distance a capsule deforms before fracture when a load is applied continuously in a direction perpendicular to the capsule particle (the distance the capsule is pressed into a rheometer before fracture). The fracture distance (L) is measured by the method described in the Examples section below. In some embodiments, the fracture distance (L) of a capsule is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.2 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 1.0 mm or more, 2.0 mm or more, or 3.0 mm or more, depending on factors such as the capsule diameter. The upper limit of the fracture distance of a capsule is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 10 mm or less, 9 mm or less, 8 mm or less, 7 mm or less, or 6 mm or less. In some embodiments, the fracture distance (L) of a capsule may be in the range of 0.1 to 10 mm, 0.2 to 9 mm, 0.5 to 8 mm, 1.0 to 8 mm, 2.0 to 7 mm, or 3.0 to 6 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the capsule has a fracture energy of 25 N·mm or more. In this specification, "fracture energy" is calculated from the capsule's fracture hardness (AV) and fracture distance (L) using the following formula: Fracture energy = Fracture hardness (AV) × Fracture distance (L) / 2. The fracture energy represents the amount of energy required to fracture the capsule and is one indicator of the capsule's chewiness. A fracture energy of 25 N·mm or more ensures a pleasant chewing sensation in the oral cavity. The capsule's fracture energy is more preferably 30 N·mm or more, even more preferably 35 N·mm or more, even more preferably 40 N·mm or more, even more preferably 45 N·mm or more, and particularly preferably 50 N·mm or more. The upper limit of the capsule's fracture energy is not particularly limited, but is preferably 160 N·mm or less, more preferably 150 N·mm or less, even more preferably 140 N·mm or less, even more preferably 130 N·mm or less, and particularly preferably 120 N·mm or less.

[0016] The diameter (D) (mm) of the capsule is not particularly limited and can be set depending on the structure and size of the chewing tobacco product in which the capsule is used. The diameter (D) of the capsule is, for example, 2 to 6.5 mm, and preferably 2 to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter (D) (mm) of the capsule is 2 to 4 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter (D) (mm) of the capsule is 3 to 5 mm. In this specification, the diameter of the capsule is measured by the method described in the Examples below.

[0017] In some embodiments, the breaking hardness per capsule diameter is 4 N / mm or more and 20 N / mm or less. In this specification, "breaking hardness per capsule diameter" is calculated by dividing the breaking hardness (AV) by the capsule diameter (D) (mm). It is conceivable that even if the breaking hardness is high, the diameter is large and the capsule is easily broken. Therefore, the ratio (AV / D) of the breaking strength (AD) to the capsule diameter (D) is one of the indicators that reflects the actual ease of breaking the capsule. If the breaking hardness is 4 N / mm or more, a good chewing sensation can be enjoyed in the oral cavity. If the breaking hardness is 20 N / mm or less, the capsule can be easily broken by chewing in the oral cavity. The breaking hardness per capsule diameter (AV / D) is more preferably 6 N / mm or more, even more preferably 8 N / mm or more, even more preferably 9 N / mm or more, and particularly preferably 10 N / mm or more. Furthermore, the breaking hardness per capsule diameter (AV / D) is more preferably 19 N / mm or less, even more preferably 18 N / mm or less, even more preferably 17 N / mm or less, and particularly preferably 16 N / mm or less. In some embodiments, the breaking hardness per capsule diameter (AV / D) is 9 to 20 N / mm. In some embodiments, the breaking hardness per capsule diameter (AV / D) is 10 to 20 N / mm, 10 to 19 N / mm, 10 to 18 N / mm, 10 to 17 N / mm, or 10 to 16 N / mm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the distortion rate of the capsule is 50% or more and 100% or less. As used herein, "distortion rate" is calculated using the following formula: Distortion rate (%) = Breaking distance (L) / Capsule diameter (D) × 100. The distortion rate can be considered an index reflecting the degree of elasticity of the capsule (ease of deformation before the capsule breaks). A distortion rate of 50% or more indicates a large amount of deformation required to break the capsule, providing a good chewing sensation. A distortion rate of 100% or less indicates that the capsule can be easily broken by biting. The distortion rate is more preferably 55% or more, and even more preferably 60% or more. The distortion rate is more preferably 80% or less, even more preferably 75% or less, and particularly preferably 71% or less. In some embodiments, the distortion rate is in the range of 50-80%, 50-75%, 55-75%, 60-75%, or 60-71%.

[0019] By adjusting at least one of the capsule shell composition parameters, such as the shell rate, shell thickness, weight percentage of gelling agent in the shell, and weight percentage of plasticizer in the shell, the capsule diameter (D), fracture distance (L), fracture hardness (AV), fracture hardness per capsule diameter, hardness, and strain rate can be adjusted within the ranges of the present invention. For example, increasing the capsule content weight or shell weight tends to increase the capsule diameter (D). For example, increasing the weight percentage of plasticizer in the shell tends to increase the fracture distance (L). For example, increasing the shell rate or the weight percentage of gelling agent in the shell tends to increase the fracture hardness (AV). For example, increasing the shell thickness tends to increase the fracture hardness per capsule diameter. For example, increasing the weight percentage of gelling agent in the shell tends to increase the hardness. For example, increasing the weight percentage of plasticizer in the shell tends to increase the strain rate. Although there seems to be a trade-off between the fracture hardness, fracture energy, hardness and disintegration time of a capsule, in the present invention, by appropriately selecting the composition, coating rate and coating thickness of the capsule coating, it is surprisingly possible to efficiently obtain capsules that satisfy all of these requirements.

[0020] The capsule shell ratio is not particularly limited, but is preferably 7 to 25% by weight from the viewpoint of chewing feel (cracking sensation) and disintegration in the oral cavity. If it is 25% by weight or less, disintegration in the oral cavity can be improved. If it is 7% by weight or more, the disintegration hardness increases and chewing feel (cracking sensation) is excellent. The capsule shell ratio is, for example, 7 to 20% by weight, 7 to 15% by weight, 7 to 10% by weight, or 8 to 15% by weight. In this specification, the shell ratio (% by weight) means the ratio (% by weight) of the weight of the capsule shell when the weight of the entire capsule is 100% by weight.

[0021] The thickness of the capsule shell can be appropriately specified depending on the size and application of the capsule. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of easily satisfying both the performance requirements of chewiness (breakability) and disintegrability in the oral cavity at the same time, the thickness of the capsule shell is preferably 50 to 120 μm, more preferably 60 to 100 μm, even more preferably 65 to 90 μm, still more preferably 65 to 85 μm, and particularly preferably 65 to 75 μm. The thickness of the capsule shell is measured by the method described in the Examples below.

[0022] <Capsule Shell> The capsule shell (hereinafter also referred to as "shell") usually contains a shell-forming component (film-forming base, shell-forming agent). Examples of the shell-forming component include polysaccharides (or derivatives thereof) {e.g., seaweed-derived polysaccharides [e.g., agar, carrageenan, alginic acid or its salts (e.g., alkali metal salts (sodium salt, potassium salt, etc.), alkaline earth metal salts (calcium salt, magnesium salt, etc.), iron salt, tin salt, and other metal salts), furcellaran, curdlan, etc.], resin-derived polysaccharides (e.g., gum ghatti, gum arabic, etc.), microbial-derived polysaccharides (e.g., pullulan, welan gum, xanthan gum, gellan gum, etc.), plant-derived polysaccharides (e.g., tragacanth gum, pectin, glucomannan, starch, polydextrose, dextrin, maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, indigestible dextrin, etc.), seed-derived polysaccharides [e.g., guar gum or its derivatives], Examples of suitable film-forming components include conductors (e.g., hydroxypropyl guar gum, cationized guar gum, guar gum hydrolysates (e.g., enzymatic hydrolysates of guar gum), tara gum, tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, psyllium seed gum, and flax seed gum), fermented polysaccharides (e.g., diutan gum), cellulose derivatives (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose), and chitosan), synthetic resins (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol), proteins (e.g., gelatin, casein, and zein), and sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol, maltitol, lactitol, palatinit, xylitol, mannitol, galactitol, and erythritol). These film-forming components may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0023] In some embodiments, the capsule shell comprises at least one selected from gelatin and polysaccharides.

[0024] In some embodiments, the capsule shell contains gelatin. A shell containing gelatin tends to have better disintegration properties in the oral cavity while maintaining the strength of the capsule. In some embodiments, the gelatin contains at least one type selected from the group consisting of porcine gelatin, bovine gelatin, and fish gelatin. Furthermore, acid-treated gelatin and alkali-treated gelatin, which are classified according to their production methods, can also be used as the gelatin. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. Commercially available gelatin can be used. The gelatin content relative to 100% by weight of the capsule shell is preferably 60% by weight or more. A gelatin content of 60% by weight or more can further improve the disintegration properties of the capsule. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, the gelatin content is more preferably 65% ​​by weight or more, even more preferably 70% by weight or more, and may even be 75% by weight or more. In order to achieve superior disintegration properties in the oral cavity while maintaining the strength of the capsule, the gelatin content relative to 100% by weight of the capsule shell is preferably 95% by weight or less, more preferably 90% by weight or less.

[0025] In some embodiments, the capsule shell contains a polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the polysaccharide comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of galactomannan, agar, carrageenan, and alginic acid or a salt thereof. These polysaccharides tend to form tough gels and function as gelling agents. By including these polysaccharides, the capsule shell has excellent breaking hardness and breaking energy. The content of the polysaccharide relative to 100% by weight of the capsule shell is preferably 60% by weight or more, more preferably 75% by weight or more. The content of the polysaccharide relative to 100% by weight of the capsule shell is preferably 95% by weight or less, more preferably 90% by weight or less.

[0026] In some embodiments, the capsule shell contains galactomannan. Such a form exhibits excellent disintegration properties in the oral cavity. In some embodiments, the capsule shell contains galactomannan and gelatin. Such a form exhibits excellent disintegration properties in the oral cavity. Galactomannan is a compound in which galactose (α-D-galactopyranose) is α-(1-6)-bonded to a linear main chain of mannose (β-(1-4)-D-mannopyranose). The galactomannan is a compound derived from plants or fungi. In this embodiment, the galactomannan is preferably a seed-derived polysaccharide. The seed-derived polysaccharide is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of guar gum, psyllium seed gum, amanita seed gum, tamarind sea gum, tara gum, locust bean gum (carob bean gum), fenugreek gum (fenugreek gum), and degradation products thereof. Among these, from the viewpoint of achieving superior disintegration properties of the capsule shell in the oral cavity, it is more preferable to contain at least one selected from the group consisting of guar gum and guar gum hydrolysates. From the viewpoint of further improving heat resistance and disintegration properties in the oral cavity, it is even more preferable to contain a guar gum hydrolysate as the galactomannan. Even when the shell rate is relatively high (the shell is relatively thick), excellent disintegration properties in the oral cavity can be maintained by including a guar gum hydrolysate. Commercially available galactomannans can be used.

[0027] In some embodiments, the capsule shell contains at least one of gelatin and galactomannan, which provides excellent disintegration properties in the oral cavity.

[0028] The film-forming component may be capable of forming a hydrophilic colloid, and depending on the type, may function as a plasticizer, sweetener, dietary fiber, bulking agent, etc. Commercially available film-forming components may be used.

[0029] The coating may contain a plasticizer, a colorant, a sweetener, a flavoring, an antioxidant, a preservative, etc. These components may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0030] The coating may contain a plasticizer to adjust the strength of the coating. Examples of the plasticizer include polyhydric alcohols (e.g., (poly)alkylene glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol; polyols having three or more hydroxyl groups such as glycerin), sugars [e.g., monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose, glucose, and galactose), disaccharides (e.g., sucrose, maltose, trehalose, and coupling sugar), and oligosaccharides (e.g., maltooligosaccharides)], sugar alcohols (e.g., the sugar alcohols exemplified above such as sorbitol, maltitol, lactitol, palatinite, xylitol, mannitol, galactitol, and erythritol), starch, starch derivatives (e.g., polydextrose, dextrin, maltodextrin, indigestible dextrin, and cyclodextrin (α, β, or γ)), cellulose derivatives (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose)], polyvinyl alcohol, and triacetin. The plasticizers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. As mentioned above, sugar alcohols, starch, starch derivatives, etc. may also be used as film-forming components.

[0031] When the capsule shell contains a plasticizer, the content of the plasticizer per 100 parts by weight of gelatin is preferably 1 to 40 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 30 parts by weight, even more preferably 1 to 25 parts by weight, and particularly preferably 5 to 20 parts by weight. The plasticizer used together with gelatin is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, diglycerin, dipropylene glycol), sugars, and sugar alcohols (e.g., glucose, sucrose, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, dextrin, maltodextrin, etc.).

[0032] When the capsule shell contains a polysaccharide, the content of the plasticizer relative to 100 parts by weight of the polysaccharide is preferably 1 to 30 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 25 parts by weight, and even more preferably 5 to 20 parts by weight. The plasticizer used together with the polysaccharide is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, diglycerin, dipropylene glycol), sugars, and sugar alcohols (e.g., glucose, sucrose, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, dextrin, maltodextrin, etc.).

[0033] <Contents> The contents are not particularly limited as long as they can be enclosed by the capsule shell, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. The contents may be solid, liquid, or the like. From the viewpoint of maintaining a good interface with the shell, it is preferable that the contents contain an oily component. The oily component is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include flavorings, grain oils, fruit oils, lipophilic solvents, and the like. In some embodiments, the oily component preferably contains a flavoring, and more preferably contains a flavoring and a lipophilic solvent. The oily component may also be prepared as an oil / water / oil emulsion using known materials. One type of oily component may be used alone, or two or more types may be mixed together. The contents may also contain flavorings, colorants, flavorings, sweeteners, antioxidants, seasonings, spices, acidulants, bittering agents, cooling agents, physiologically active substances (vitamins, amino acids, collagen, collagen peptides, lipids, isoflavones, minerals, enzymes, hormones, etc.), microorganisms (bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, natto bacteria, and yeast; fungi such as yeast, etc.), etc. In some embodiments, the contents contain a flavoring. The flavoring is not particularly limited as long as it is an oil-based component, and either a natural flavoring or a synthetic flavoring may be used. The flavoring may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The flavoring may be either a synthetic flavoring or a natural flavoring, or may be a blended flavoring or a flavor composition. The flavoring may be any component that can be used as a component having a flavor, aroma, or the like.

[0034] Examples of synthetic fragrances (or natural fragrance components) include esters, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, ethers, lactones, hydrocarbons, nitrogen- and / or sulfur-containing compounds, and acids.

[0035] Esters (e.g., fatty acid or aromatic carboxylic acid esters) are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include propyl formate, terpinyl formate, ethyl acetate, octyl acetate, nonyl acetate, decyl acetate, dodecyl acetate, dihydromyrcenyl acetate, linalyl acetate, citronellyl acetate, geranyl acetate, neryl acetate, tetrahydromugol acetate, lavandulyl acetate, nerolidol acetate, dihydrocuminyl acetate, terpinyl acetate, citryl acetate, nopyr acetate, dihydroterpinyl acetate, 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenylmethyl acetate, miraldil acetate, beticol acetate, decenyl propionate, linalyl propionate, and butyric acid octyl, cinnamyl butyrate, isopropyl isobutyrate, octyl isobutyrate, linalyl isobutyrate, 2-methylpentyl 2-methylvalerate, methyl 3-hydroxyhexanoate, methyl octanoate, methyl nonanoate, methyl undecylenate, linalyl benzoate, methyl cinnamate, isoprenyl angelate, methyl geranate, triethyl citrate, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl 2-hexylacetoacetate, ethyl benzylacetoacetate, allyl 2-ethylbutyrate, ethyl 3-hydroxybutyrate, ethyl nonanoate, ethyl decanoate, ethyl 2,4-decadienoate, methyl anthranilate, and ethyl N-methylanthranilate.

[0036] The alcohols are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include 3-heptanol, 3-octanol, 1-nonanol, 1-decanol, 1-undecanol, 1-dodecanol, prenol, 10-undecen-1-ol, dihydrolinalool, tetrahydromugol, myrcenol, dihydromyrcenol, tetrahydromyrcenol, ocimenol, terpineol, 3-thuyanol, benzyl alcohol, β-phenylethyl alcohol, trans-2-hexenol, cis-4-hexenol, citronellol, and rhodinol. , geraniol, nerol, linalool, tetrahydrolinalool, dimethyloctanol, hydroxycitronellol, isopulegol, L-menthol, terpineol, dihydroterpineol, carveol, dihydrocarveol, perilla alcohol, 4-thuyanol, myrtenol, α-fenchyl alcohol, farnesol, nerolidol, cedrenol, anise alcohol, hydrotropic alcohol, 3-phenylpropyl alcohol, cinnamic alcohol, and amyl cinnamic alcohol.

[0037] The aldehydes are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include acetaldehyde, n-hexanal, n-heptanal, n-octanal, n-nonanal, decanal, undecanal, tridecanal, tetradecanal, trans-2-hexenal, cis-4-decenal, 10-undecenal, trans-2-dodecenal, 3-dodecenal, trans-2-tridecenal, 2,4-hexadienal, 5,9-dimethyl-4,8-decadienal, citral, α-methylenecitronellal, citronellyloxyacetaldehyde, myrtenal, neral, α- or β-sinensal, myrane, and the like. Examples of the acetaldehyde include benzophenone, benzoyl methyl acetaldehyde ...

[0038] The ketones are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include 2-pentanone, 3-heptanone, 3-octanone, 2-nonanone, 2-undecanone, 2-tridecanone, methylheptenone, dimethyloctenone, geranylacetone, 2,3,5-trimethyl-4-cyclohexenyl-1-methyl ketone, nerone, nootkatone, dihydronootkatone, acetophenone, 4,7-dihydro-2-isopentyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxepin, 2,3-hexadione, ethyl isoamyl ketone, diacetyl, amyl cyclopentenone, 2-cyclopentyl cyclopentanone, hexyl Examples include cyclopentanone, heptylcyclopentanone, cis-jasmone, dihydrojasmone, trimethylpentylcyclopentanone, α-dynascone, trimethylcyclohexenylbutenone, ionone, allylionone, plicatone, cashmeran, 1-carvone, menthone, camphor, p-methylacetophenone, p-methoxyacetophenone, benzylideneacetone, raspberry ketone, methyl naphthyl ketone, benzophenone, furfural acetone, homofuranol, maltol, ethyl maltol, and ethyl acetoacetate ethylene glycol ketal.

[0039] The phenols are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include thymol, carvacrol, β-naphthol isobutyl ether, anethole, β-naphthol methyl ether, β-naphthol ethyl ether, guaiacol, creosol, veratrol, hydroquinone dimethyl ether, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol, 4-ethylguaiacol, eugenol, isoeugenol, ethylisoeugenol, and tert-butylhydroquinone dimethyl ether.

[0040] The ethers are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include decyl vinyl ether, α-terpinyl methyl ether, isoproxen, 2,2-dimethyl-5-(1-methyl-1-propenyl)-tetrahydrofuran, rose furan, 1,4-cineole, nerol oxide, 2,2,6-trimethyl-6-vinyltetrahydropyran, methylhexyl ether, ocimene epoxide, limonene oxide, rubofix, caryophyllene oxide, linalool oxide, 5-isopropenyl-2-methyl-2-vinyltetrahydrofuran, theaspirane, and rose oxide.

[0041] The lactones are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include γ-undecalactone, δ-dodecalactone, γ-hexalactone, γ-nonalactone, γ-decalactone, γ-dodecalactone, jasumilactone, methyl γ-decalactone, jasmolactone, propylidenephthalide, δ-hexalactone, δ-2-decenolactone, ε-dodecalactone, dihydrocoumarin, and coumarin.

[0042] Examples of hydrocarbons include ocimene, limonene, α-phellandrene, terpinene, 3-carene, bisabolene, valencene, alloocimene, myrcene, farnesene, α-pinene, β-pinene, camphene, terpinolene, p-cymene, cedrene, β-caryophyllene, and cadinene.

[0043] The nitrogen-containing and / or sulfur-containing compounds are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include methyl anthranilate, ethyl anthranilate, methyl N-methylanthranilate, methyl N-2'-methylpentylideneanthranilate, ligantral, dodecanenitrile, 2-tridecenenitrile, geranyl nitrile, citronellyl nitrile, 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-nonadienonitrile, indole, 5-methyl-3-heptanone oxime, limonenethiol, 1-P-menthene-8-thiol, butyl anthranilate, cis-3-hexenyl anthranilate, phenylethyl anthranilate, cinnamyl anthranilate, dimethyl sulfide, and 8-mercaptomenthone.

[0044] The acids are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, 2-decenoic acid, geranic acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-ethylbutyric acid, phenylacetic acid, cinnamic acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, 3-methylvaleric acid, 2-hexenoic acid, 2-methyl-2-pentenoic acid, 2-methylheptanoic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and cyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

[0045] Natural fragrances (raw materials for natural fragrances) can be used without any particular limitation, for example, mint-based, herb-based, citrus-based, etc. Natural fragrances (raw materials for natural fragrances) can be used, for example, sweet orange, bitter orange, neroli, mandarin, petitgrain, bergamot, Satsuma mandarin, bitter orange, hassaku, iyokan, lemon, lime, grapefruit, yuzu, sudachi, kabosu, sweetie, citronella, elemi, olibanum, marjoram, angelica root, star anise, basil, hay, calamus, caraway, cardamom, pepper, cascarilla, ginger, sage, Clary sage, clove, coriander, eucalyptus, fennel, pimento, juniper, fenugreek, laurel, mace, cedar, cnidium, almond, apple mint, anise, artemisia, alfalfa, apricot, ambrette, rush, strawberry, fig, ylang-ylang, wintergreen, plum, elder, pagoda tree, oakmoss, allspice, orris, currant, cassi, chamomile, galanga, quince, gambier, Aba, gooseberry, camphor, gardenia, cubeba, cumin, cranberry, kola, pepper, sandarac, sandalwood, sandal red, perilla, civet, jasmine, ginger, ginseng, cinnamon, star fruit, styrax, spearmint, geranium, thyme, tabana, tansy, tangerine, champaca, tuberose, camellia, dittany, tolu balsam, tonka, nuts, jujube, nutmeg, nandina, niaouli , carrot, violet, pineapple, hibiscus, honey, peppermint, passion fruit, vanilla, rose, hyssop, cypress, fusel oil, buchu, peppermint, pepino, verbena, bois de rose, pawpaw, Bordeaux, boronia, pine, mango, beeswax, mimosa, milfoil, musk, maple, melissa, melon, peach, lavender, liqueur, litsea, linden, rue, wax tree, rosemary, and lovage.

[0046] Specific flavors (flavor compositions) include, for example, citrus flavors such as orange flavor, lemon flavor, lime flavor, grapefruit flavor, yuzu flavor, and sudachi flavor; berry flavors such as strawberry flavor, raspberry flavor, and blueberry flavor; tropical fruit flavors such as mango flavor, papaya flavor, guava flavor, passion fruit flavor, and lychee flavor; fruit flavors such as apple flavor, grape flavor, pineapple flavor, banana flavor, peach flavor, melon flavor, apricot flavor, plum flavor, and cherry flavor; tea and coffee flavors such as green tea flavor, oolong tea flavor, black tea flavor, and coffee flavor; meat flavors such as beef flavor, pork flavor, and chicken flavor; asafoetida flavor, ajowan flavor, anise flavor, angelica flavor, fennel flavor, allspice flavor, cinnamon flavor, cassia flavor, chamomile flavor, and mustard flavor. Herbs and spices such as bar, cardamom flavor, caraway flavor, cumin flavor, clove flavor, pepper flavor, coriander flavor, sassafras flavor, savory flavor, Japanese pepper flavor, shiso flavor, juniper berry flavor, ginger flavor, star anise flavor, horseradish flavor, sage flavor, thyme flavor, tarragon flavor, dill flavor, chili pepper flavor, jujube flavor, nutmeg flavor, basil flavor, parsley flavor, marjoram flavor, rosemary flavor, laurel flavor, wasabi flavor, onion flavor, garlic flavor, green onion flavor, cabbage flavor, carrot flavor, celery flavor, shiitake mushroom flavor, matsutake mushroom flavor, tomato flavor, burdock flavor, mitsuba flavor, mint flavors such as peppermint flavor, spearmint flavor, Japanese peppermint flavor, vanilla flavor, almond flavor, cashew nut flavor, peanut flavor,Examples of such flavors include nut-based flavors such as hazelnut flavor, walnut flavor, chestnut flavor, macadamia nut flavor, pecan nut flavor, pistachio flavor, Brazil nut flavor, and coconut flavor; Western liquor-based flavors such as wine flavor, whiskey flavor, brandy flavor, rum flavor, gin flavor, and liqueur flavor; seafood-based flavors such as seafood flavor, shellfish flavor, arthropod flavor, and seaweed flavor; grain-based flavors such as corn flavor, potato flavor, sweet potato flavor, cooked rice flavor, and bread flavor; and sugar-based flavors such as honey flavor, maple syrup flavor, sugar flavor, brown sugar flavor, and molasses flavor.

[0047] The form of the flavoring agent can be selected depending on the dosage form, the mode of ingestion, etc., and may be solid, liquid, etc., and may be non-volatile or volatile.

[0048] In some embodiments, the contents contain caryophyllene. Examples of caryophyllene include β-caryophyllene, α-caryophyllene, isocaryophyllene, and metabolites or derivatives of caryophyllene (e.g., caryophyllene oxides such as β-caryophyllene oxide). The composition of one aspect of the present invention may contain these alone or in combination of two or more. In some embodiments, caryophyllene preferably contains β-caryophyllene and may further contain caryophyllene other than β-caryophyllene [e.g., at least one selected from α-caryophyllene, isocaryophyllene, and metabolites or derivatives of caryophyllene]. Commercially available caryophyllene may be used, or one produced (purified) by conventional methods (chemically synthesized) may also be used. In this specification, the term "β-caryophyllene" may refer collectively to caryophyllene other than β-caryophyllene. In some embodiments, the proportion of β-caryophyllene in total caryophyllene may be, for example, 30% by mass or more, 50% by mass or more, 75% by mass or more, 90% by mass or more, 100% by mass (substantially 100% by mass), etc. The caryophyllene content is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the desired function (e.g., volatilization promotion, dissolution promotion, freeze resistance, and other caryophyllene functions), dosage form, etc.

[0049] The content (core) may generally be non-dissolving (non-erodible) relative to the coating (or the portion in contact with the coating).

[0050] <Manufacturing Method> The method for manufacturing the capsule of the present embodiment is not particularly limited. Typical forms of capsules are seamless capsules or rotary soft capsules (hereinafter also referred to as "rotary capsules").

[0051] The method for producing seamless capsules is not particularly limited, and they can be produced by a dropping method. For example, seamless capsules can be produced by the method described in Japanese Patent No. 6603817. Examples of the method for producing capsules according to this embodiment include a method in which a liquid containing the components of the capsule shell and a liquid containing the contents are dropped into a cooling medium or air. Specifically, a nozzle unit is used, which concentrically comprises an outer nozzle through which the liquid containing the components of the capsule shell passes and an inner nozzle through which the liquid containing the contents is supplied, and a forming tube (a forming tube located downstream of or on the axis of the nozzle unit). The liquid containing the contents is discharged from the outlet of the inner nozzle, and the liquid containing the components of the capsule shell is discharged from the outlet of the outer nozzle into the forming tube. At this time, the capsule shell encapsulates the contents within the forming tube. The capsule shell, encapsulating the contents, is dropped into a cooling medium or air, thereby forming a capsule. The dropped capsules may be dried.

[0052] The manufacturing method of the rotary capsule is not particularly limited, and can be a rotary method in which a die called a die roll is used for crimping and molding. For example, rotary capsules can be manufactured by a punching method or a flat plate method using a rotary die type soft capsule filling machine or the like. The rotary die type soft capsule filling machine is a method in which two membrane sheets formed by spreading a liquid containing the components of the capsule membrane on a rotating drum are punched into capsule shapes using a pair of rotating dies (die rolls), and soft capsule molding and filling with the capsule contents are performed simultaneously. The shape of the rotary capsule is not particularly limited, and may be oval, oblong, spherical, acorn, triangular, peanut, or bottle-shaped.

[0053] The manufacturing conditions, such as the temperature of the liquid containing the components of the capsule shell, the temperature of the liquid containing the contents, the cooling temperature, the cooling time, the drying temperature, and the drying time, can be appropriately selected depending on the component composition of the capsule shell and the contents, the shell rate, the shell thickness, the outer diameter of the capsule, etc.

[0054] 2. Smokeless Tobacco Products The capsules of this form are used in oral smokeless tobacco products. As used herein, "smokeless tobacco products" refer to tobacco products that are not combusted. As used herein, "oral smokeless tobacco products" refer to smokeless tobacco products that are used in the oral cavity.

[0055] Smokeless tobacco products include tobacco formulations. As used herein, "tobacco formulations" include materials containing tobacco and / or tobacco substitutes or substitutes. In some embodiments, tobacco formulations include tobacco. As used herein, "tobacco" includes any part of any member of the Nicotiana genus, such as leaves, flowers, or stems, and reconstituted materials thereof. As used herein, the term "tobacco" includes tobacco extract. In some embodiments, the tobacco is in ground tobacco and / or particulate form. In some embodiments, the tobacco formulation may include flavorings. The amount of tobacco in a tobacco formulation is not particularly limited. In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco in a smokeless tobacco product may be, for example, at least 5% by weight, or at least 10% by weight, or 20% by weight, of the smokeless tobacco product. In some embodiments, the amount of tobacco in a smokeless tobacco product may be, for example, about 90% by weight or less, or 85% by weight or less, or 70% by weight or less of the smokeless tobacco product.

[0056] Smokeless tobacco products come in various forms, including chewing tobacco and snuff, and any of these forms may be used in the present invention. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product may be dry or moist snuff. In some embodiments, moist snuff includes Swedish snuff, also known as snus or snus. Snus is a moist powder tobacco product derived from a variation of dry snuff. Snus is typically used by placing it under the upper lip. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is in the form of moist snuff and / or chewing tobacco. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is in the form of dry snuff. The smokeless tobacco product may be in the form of, for example, a pill, pellet, tablet, coin, bead, oval, oblong, cube, film, flake, stick, foam, or gel. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is dissolvable.

[0057] Smokeless tobacco products are designed to be used in the oral cavity of a tobacco user so that the user can enjoy the tobacco formulation and capsules contained within the product. In some embodiments, smokeless tobacco products have a tobacco formulation enclosed in a package. For example, a common method of providing smokeless tobacco products (snuff) is to seal the tobacco formulation in a moisture-permeable package. When the smokeless tobacco product is placed in the oral cavity, substances such as nicotine diffuse through the package into the user's mouth and are absorbed through the user's mucous membranes.

[0058] In some embodiments, the individually packaged smokeless tobacco product includes a tobacco formulation and a capsule in a moisture-permeable package (e.g., a pouch or sachet). The smokeless tobacco product may include one or more capsules of this type. The capsules may be dispersed within the tobacco formulation or may be located in a different location from the tobacco formulation. In some embodiments, the capsules included in the smokeless tobacco product are destroyed by chewing in the oral cavity by the user. In some embodiments, the capsules included in the smokeless tobacco product are destroyed by dissolution due to moisture in the oral cavity. When the smokeless tobacco product is placed in the oral cavity, the capsules in the moisture-permeable package are destroyed by chewing in the oral cavity and / or by the moisture in the oral cavity, releasing their contents. The capsules of this type have excellent disintegrability and good fracture hardness, allowing the user to enjoy a pleasant chewing sensation (cracking sensation) in the oral cavity. In addition, the capsule shell quickly disintegrates in the oral cavity during use, allowing the user to enjoy the taste and aroma of the contents (e.g., flavoring) with reduced or eliminated foreign body sensation. After the user has finished using the smokeless tobacco product, the outer moisture-permeable wrapping, if present, can be removed from the user's mouth and discarded. Alternatively, such outer pouch, if present, can be made from a soluble or dispersible material so that the tobacco formulation and pouch can be ingested by the user.

[0059] In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product can be provided to the user in an unportioned form. In one embodiment, the smokeless tobacco product is loosely packed in a container, such as a can, a sachet, or a tin can. In some embodiments, the unportioned smokeless tobacco product includes a tobacco formulation and a capsule in the container. The smokeless tobacco product may include one or more capsules of this type. In some embodiments, the capsule included in the smokeless tobacco product is placed in the oral cavity together with the tobacco formulation, and the capsule is destroyed when the user chews the capsule in the oral cavity and / or when it dissolves due to moisture in the oral cavity.

[0060] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. Unless otherwise specified, parts and percentages in each example are by weight.

[0061] The ingredients used in the examples and comparative examples are as follows: [Film-forming ingredients] Bovine gelatin 300 bloom (trade name CLV, purchased from Nitta Gelatin Co., Ltd.) Pork gelatin 300 bloom (trade name: ROUSSELOT 300PS8 GELATINE, purchased from Rousselot) Pork gelatin 250 bloom (trade name: BCN250SC, purchased from Nitta Gelatin Co., Ltd.) Fish gelatin 230 bloom (trade name: Iquos SCG-230L, purchased from Nitta Gelatin Co., Ltd.) Galactomannan: guar gum hydrolyzate (trade name: Sunfiber R, purchased from Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.) Gellan gum (CP Kelco Co., Ltd.) Agar (Ina Food Industry Co., Ltd.) Sodium alginate (Kimika Co., Ltd.) [Plasticizers] Glycerin (purchased from Sakamoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) Sorbitol (Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences Co., Ltd.)・Dextrin (PinedeX #2, Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) ・Xylitol (product name: Xylitol, Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences Co., Ltd.) ・Erythritol (product name: Erythritol T Fine Powder, Mitsubishi Chemical Foods) [Other ingredients] ・Sucralose (product name: Sucralose 600, San-ei Gen FFI) ・Acesulfame potassium (product name: Sunet D, MC Food Specialties) ・Coloring (Food Blue No. 1) [Contents] ・MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) (product name: Coconard ML, Kao Corporation) ・Various flavorings: blended in-house

[0062] The physical properties were measured by the following methods. [Capsule diameter (outer diameter of capsule) (D)] The major and minor axes of the capsules were measured using a digital caliper (trade name: Quick Mini 25, model number: PK-0510SU, measurement range: 0 to 25 mm, manufactured by Mitutoyo). The capsule diameter (average diameter) was then calculated as the arithmetic mean of the major and minor axes. [Coating thickness] The capsules were cut lengthwise and crosswise, and the coating thickness was measured using a digital microscope (trade name: VHX-900, manufactured by Keyence). The coating thickness was then calculated as the arithmetic mean of the thicknesses measured at any five points.

[0063] [Total Capsule Weight, Shell Weight, Content Weight, and Shell Rate] The total capsule weight was determined by measuring the weight of one capsule. This measurement was performed 20 times on different capsules, and the arithmetic mean was calculated. The capsule shell weight was determined by cutting a capsule in half, washing the capsule shell with hexane, wiping off the hexane thoroughly, and then measuring the weight of the shell. This measurement was performed 20 times on different capsules, and the arithmetic mean was calculated. The capsule content weight was calculated using the following formula: Capsule content weight (mg) = Total capsule weight (mg) - Capsule shell weight (mg). The shell rate was calculated using the following formula: Shell rate (%) = Capsule shell weight (mg) / Total capsule weight (mg) x 100. The weights (total capsule weight and capsule shell weight) were measured using an electronic balance GX-200 manufactured by A&D Co., Ltd.

[0064] [Capsule breaking hardness, breaking distance, strain rate, breaking hardness per breaking distance, breaking hardness per capsule diameter, and breaking energy] The capsule breaking strength (AV) (N) was measured at 22°C and 60% RH using a rheometer CR-3000EX (measuring instrument, manufactured by Sun Scientific Co., Ltd.) and analyzed using a rheological analyzer (Rheo Data analyzer for Win, automatic physical property data analysis software, manufactured by Sun Scientific Co., Ltd.). The capsule breaking distance (L) (mm) was measured at 22°C and 60% RH using a rheometer CR-3000EX (measuring instrument, manufactured by Sun Scientific Co., Ltd.) and analyzed using a rheological analyzer (Rheo Data analyzer for Win, automatic physical property data analysis software, manufactured by Sun Scientific Co., Ltd.). The capsule strain rate (%) was calculated using the following formula: Distortion rate = breaking distance (L) / capsule diameter (D) x 100 The breaking hardness (hardness) per breaking distance (N / mm) was calculated using the following formula: Breaking hardness per breaking distance = breaking hardness (AV) / breaking distance (L) The breaking hardness per capsule diameter (N / mm) was calculated using the following formula: Breaking hardness per capsule diameter = breaking hardness (AV) / capsule diameter (D) The capsule breaking energy (N·mm) was calculated using the following formula: Breaking energy = breaking hardness (AV) x breaking distance (L) / 2.

[0065] [Disintegration Time] The disintegration time was measured by the following disintegration test. <Disintegration Test> The test was carried out in accordance with the 18th Edition of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, General Test Method "Disintegration Test Method" (Capsules). Specifically, the capsule and auxiliary disc were placed in a tester (NT-410 manufactured by Toyama Sangyo Co., Ltd.), and the test was carried out using water at 37±2°C as the test liquid. The time until the residue of the sample (capsule) was completely dissolved and no longer visible (complete disintegration) was measured as the "disintegration time." Measurements were carried out on six samples, and the average value was calculated.

[0066] [Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4] (1) Preparation of Capsule Shell Liquid The components were mixed in the amounts (parts by weight) shown in Table 1 and dissolved at a predetermined temperature (approximately 65 to 100°C) for at least 2 hours with appropriate stirring to prepare a capsule shell liquid. (2) Preparation of Contents The raw materials were mixed to make them uniform. Since the capsules must be in a liquid state during production, if the material was a gel or had poor fluidity, it was heated appropriately to improve fluidity. A stirrer and / or a fine grinder was used as necessary during mixing. The contents used in the examples and comparative examples are as follows. Examples 1, 3, 7, and 8: A mixture of L-menthol and MCT was used. The proportions of L-menthol and MCT in the contents were 10% by weight and 90% by weight, respectively. Example 2: MCT Example 4: Mango Flavor Example 5: Mint Flavor Example 6: Ice Mint Flavor Example 9: Spice Flavor (Containing 2% β-Caryophyllene) Example 10: Grape Flavor Example 11: Black Tea Flavor Example 12: Lime Flavor Comparative Example 3: Orange Flavor (3) Production of Seamless Capsules Capsules were produced by the submerged dropping method. Specifically, the capsule shell liquid and contents were charged into a seamless capsule production device (product name: Spherex (registered trademark), manufactured by Freund Corporation), and near the multiple nozzle, the temperature of the contents was controlled at 20°C within ±2°C of the set value, and the temperature of the capsule shell liquid was controlled at 70°C within ±2°C of the set value, and the contents were cooled with cooling oil (approximately 10°C) to produce capsules. The resulting capsules were then dried (25°C, humidity 50% RH or less) to obtain seamless capsules.

[0067] [Comparative Examples 5 to 8] In Comparative Examples 5, 6, and 8, capsules contained in the filters of commercially available cigarettes were taken out and used. Comparative Example 5: Capsule contained in the mouth-side filter of "KOOL BOOST DOLUBLE 5" (manufacturer: British American Tobacco) Comparative Example 6: Capsule contained in "MEVIUS OPTION PURPLE 5" (manufacturer: JT) Comparative Example 7: Capsule for cigarette filter purchased from Kunming Yipin Technology Co., Ltd. (product name: Smoking Pop Beads (Fragrance), brand: Ranmeng) Comparative Example 8: Capsule contained in the mouth-side filter of "Marlboro W Burst Purple 5" (manufacturer: Philip Morris) The physical properties of the seamless capsules obtained in the above Examples and Comparative Examples were measured. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0068]

[0069]

[0070] Among the prepared capsules, chewing tobacco products containing the capsules were manufactured using the capsules of Examples 3, 5 to 7, and Comparative Example 2. Specifically, one capsule of each Example and Comparative Example was placed and filled in a non-woven bag containing the tobacco blend of the chewing tobacco product to manufacture a chewing tobacco product containing the capsule. Five panelists used the chewing tobacco of the Examples and Comparative Examples in their oral cavities, respectively, and compared the feelings of use. The chewing tobacco containing the capsules of Examples 3, 5 to 7 could be used without any problems by any of the panelists. The capsules were broken by chewing, had a good feeling of cracking, and the panelists could enjoy the spread of the fragrance of L-menthol, mint, and mango in the mouth. Also, the film dissolved quickly in the oral cavity and there was no discomfort in the mouth. On the other hand, when using the chewing tobacco containing the capsule of Comparative Example 2, the dissolution of the capsule film was slow, and there was a discomfort in the mouth during use.

[0071] The capsule of this form can obtain a capsule with a high breaking hardness and excellent collapsibility, and is particularly suitable for use as a capsule to be put into chewing tobacco.

Claims

1. A soft capsule for use in an oral smokeless tobacco product, comprising: A capsule shell and a content enclosed by the capsule shell, The breaking hardness is 20N or more and 200N or less, The disintegration time measured by the disintegration test method specified in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia is less than 5 minutes. capsule.

2. The capsule according to claim 1, having a breaking energy of 25 N·mm or more.

3. 3. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the capsule is in the range of 2 to 6.5 mm.

4. 3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the coating ratio is 7 to 25% by weight.

5. 3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the distortion rate is 50% or more and 100% or less.

6. 3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the breaking hardness per breaking distance is 4 N / mm or more and 20 N / mm or less.

7. 3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the breaking hardness per capsule diameter is 9 N / mm or more and 20 N / mm or less.

8. The capsule according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsule shell contains at least one selected from gelatin and polysaccharides.

9. The gelatin includes at least one selected from the group consisting of porcine-derived gelatin, bovine-derived gelatin, and fish-derived gelatin, The capsule of claim 8 , wherein the polysaccharide comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of galactomannan, agar, carrageenan, and sodium alginate.

10. 3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the capsule shell further contains at least one plasticizer selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, sugar alcohols, starch, starch derivatives, cellulose derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol, and triacetin.

11. 3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the contents contain a flavoring agent.

12. 3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the contents contain caryophyllene.

13. 3. The capsule according to claim 1, wherein the capsule shell has a thickness of 50 to 120 μm.

14. An oral smokeless tobacco product comprising the capsule of claim 1 or 2.