Purified labdanum extract, method for producing same, tobacco material, tobacco rod, and flavor inhaler

Abstract

Provided is a purified labdanum extract that is effective as a flavor promoter for tobacco. A purified labdanum extract in which, when analysis is performed by GC / MS using a column in which the stationary phase is 95% dimethylpolysiloxane, the sum of peak areas of component groups in which the retention index (RI) is equal to or less than 1399 is 20% or less of the sum of all peak areas.

Description

Purified labdanum extract and its manufacturing method, tobacco material, tobacco rod, and flavor inhaler

[0001] The present invention relates to a purified labdanum extract and a method for producing the same, a tobacco material, a tobacco rod, and a flavor inhaler.

[0002] Labdanum products are obtained from the fresh leaves, dried leaves, and twigs of Cistus ladaniferous L. by steam distillation (labdanum oil), solvent extraction (concrete or absolute), alcohol extraction of gum resin (resinoid), etc. Labdanum products are characterized by long-lasting scents such as amber animal, balsam, and zetterwood. Concrete, absolute, and resinoid are dark brown viscous substances. The scent of labdanum products is said to be composed of more than 300 components. Known characteristic aroma components include 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone, ethyl dihydrocinnamate, and other monoterpenes (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, an acid isolated as the main component of the labdanum gum has been named labdanolic acid and has been reported to be a bicyclic diterpene derivative (Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3). Analogues of this bicyclic compound are collectively called labdanoids and are found in large quantities in Orient tobacco and other tobacco products (Non-Patent Document 4).

[0004] A known method for purifying Labdanum extract involves using Labdanum oil as a starting material, extracting acidic components as salts with an alkaline aqueous solution, adding an acidic substance to the extract, separating and recovering the liberated acidic components of Labdanum oil, and then heat-treating the extract (Patent Document 1). This method can enhance the ambery, animal-like scent of Labdanum oil.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-018288

[0006] Central Customs Laboratory Bulletin No. 22 1981 Cocker, J. D. ; Halsall, T.; G. ; Bowers, A.; (1956). “The chemistry of gum labdanum. I. Some acidic constituents”. Journal of the Chemical Society: 4259-62. Cocker, J. D. ; Halsall, T.; G. (1956). “The chemistry of gum labdanum. II. The structure of labdanolic acid”. Journal of the Chemical Society: 4262-71. Iwao Fujimori, "Terpene Compounds in Tobacco," Chemistry and Biology, Vol. 22, No. 6, 358-368, 1984

[0007] Orient tobacco contains labdanoids and hydrocarbons as flavor components (Non-Patent Document 4). However, Orient tobacco also contains other unpleasant odor components known as off-flavors, such as isovaleric acid. Therefore, simply changing the blending ratio of Orient tobacco makes it difficult to enhance the characteristics of desirable flavor components.

[0008] On the other hand, labdanum is an example of a plant other than tobacco that contains labdanoids and hydrocarbons. Therefore, labdanum extract may be used as a flavor enhancer that enhances the flavor of tobacco. However, if labdanum extract is added directly, it will also impart an amber animal-like odor derived from monoterpene hydrocarbons with a relatively low boiling point, making it difficult to use as a tobacco flavor enhancer.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a purified labdanum extract that is effective as a tobacco flavor enhancer, as well as a tobacco material, a tobacco rod, and a flavor inhaler that contain the purified labdanum extract.

[0010] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0011] [1] A purified labdanum extract, in which, when analyzed by GC / MS using a column whose stationary phase is 95% dimethylpolysiloxane, the sum of the peak areas of components having a retention index (RI) of 1399 or less is 20% or less of the sum of the entire peak area.

[0012] [2] A purified labdanum extract described in [1], in which the sum of the peak areas of the component group having a retention index (RI) of 2500 or more is 30% or more of the sum of the entire peak area.

[0013] [3] A purified labdanum extract described in [1] or [2], in which the sum of the peak areas of the component group having a retention index (RI) of 1700 or more is 90% or more of the sum of the entire peak area.

[0014] [4] A purified labdanum extract according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the total peak area of ​​the component group having a retention index (RI) of 1800 to 1900 is 4% or less of the total peak area.

[0015] [5] A method for producing the purified labdanum extract according to any one of [1] to [4], comprising: Step 1 of preparing a labdanum extract; and Step 2 of separating the labdanum extract into a fraction and a residue by distillation.

[0016] [6] The method according to [5], wherein the distillation is vacuum distillation.

[0017] [7] The method according to [5] or [6], wherein the labdanum extract is a steam distillate (oil), a solvent extract (concrete or absolute), or an alcohol extract of gum resin (resinoid).

[0018] [8] The purified labdanum extract according to any one of [1] to [4], which is used in a flavor inhaler.

[0019] [9] The purified labdanum extract according to [8], which is used in a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler or a non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler.

[0020]

[10] The purified labdanum extract according to [8], which is used in a combustion-type flavor inhaler.

[0021]

[11] A tobacco material comprising the purified labdanum extract according to any one of [1] to [4] and [8] to

[10] .

[0022]

[12] A tobacco rod comprising the tobacco material according to

[11] .

[0023]

[13] A flavor inhaler comprising the tobacco rod according to

[12] .

[0024]

[14] The flavor inhaler according to

[13] , which is a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler or a non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler.

[0025]

[15] The flavor inhaler according to

[13] , which is a combustion-type flavor inhaler.

[0026] According to the present invention, there are provided a purified labdanum extract that is effective as a tobacco flavor enhancer, as well as a tobacco material, a tobacco rod, and a flavor inhaler that contain the purified labdanum extract.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for producing a purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tobacco capsule of the non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a power supply unit of the non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cartridge of the non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cartridge of the non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a chromatogram in GC / MS analysis of the labdanum extract (Resinoid) before purification in Example 1. FIG. 11 is a chromatogram in GC / MS analysis of purified labdanum extract 1 in Example 1. FIG. 12 is a chromatogram in GC / MS analysis of purified labdanum extract 2 in Example 1.

[0028] [Purified Labdanum Extract] When the purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment is analyzed by GC / MS (gas chromatograph mass spectrometer) using a column whose stationary phase is 95% dimethylpolysiloxane, the total peak area of ​​components having a retention index (RI) of 1399 or less is 20% or less of the total peak area of ​​the entire extract.

[0029] In the purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment, when analyzed by GC / MS, the total peak area of ​​components with an RI of 1399 or less is 20% or less, and thus the content of low-boiling-point components such as ethyl dihydrocinnamate and monoterpene hydrocarbons is low. Therefore, the amber-animal odor is suppressed, making the extract effective as a tobacco flavor enhancer. Furthermore, since the purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment contains a low content of low-boiling-point components, the content of high-boiling-point components is relatively high, which is thought to reduce irritation, making the extract effective as a tobacco flavor enhancer. In the purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment, the total peak area of ​​components with an RI of 1399 or less is preferably 15% or less, more preferably 10% or less, and even more preferably 7% or less. The total peak area of ​​components with an RI of 1399 or less is preferably low, and the lower limit of this range is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 0.1% or more.

[0030] GC / MS analysis of purified labdanum extract can be performed by the following method. For example, purified labdanum extract can be dissolved in ethyl acetate and analyzed under the following conditions: Apparatus: Agilent Technologies 7890A GC Oven: 40°C (3 minutes) → 4°C / min → 280°C (20 minutes) Runtime: 83 minutes Injection volume: 1 μl Injection mode: Split (10:1) Injection port temperature: 270°C Septum purge flow rate: 5 ml / min Gas saver: Off Transfer line temperature: 280°C Column: HP-5MS (30 m * 0.25 mm * 0.25 μm) Column flow rate: 1 ml / min (constant flow mode) Solvent waiting time: 4 minutes Gain factor: 1 Measurement mode: Scan Mass range: 26 to 450 Threshold: 50 Sampling rate: 2 MS ion source temperature: 230°C MS quadrupole temperature: 150°C

[0031] In this embodiment, the term "retention index (RI)" refers to an index that, in gas chromatography analysis, relatively represents the retention ratio of n-alkanes to the compound being analyzed, based on the carbon number of the straight-chain hydrocarbon (n-alkane). When a column having a predetermined stationary phase is used, the retention index (RI) will theoretically be the same for the same compound, even if the column length, carrier gas flow rate, etc. are changed. Specifically, the retention index (RI) is calculated based on the following formula:

[0032]

[0033] n: carbon number of n-alkane that appears as a peak immediately before the peak of the analyte compound, t ｘ : retention time of the peak of the compound to be analyzed t ｎ t: retention time of n-alkane that appears as a peak immediately before the peak of the analyte compound ｎ＋１ : Retention time of n-alkane peak appearing immediately after the peak of the analyte compound

[0034] In the purified labdanum extract of this embodiment, the total peak area of ​​the component group having an RI of 2500 or more is preferably 30% or more of the total peak area of ​​the entire extract. When the total peak area of ​​the component group having an RI of 2500 or more is 30% or more, the content of hydrocarbons, which are effective flavor components, is high, and when used as a tobacco flavor enhancer, the persistence of tobacco flavor is further improved. In the purified labdanum extract of this embodiment, the total peak area of ​​the component group having an RI of 2500 or more is more preferably 40% to 100%, and even more preferably 50% to 100%.

[0035] In the purified labdanum extract of this embodiment, the total peak area of ​​components having an RI of 1700 or more is preferably 90% or more of the total peak area of ​​the entire extract. When the total peak area of ​​components having an RI of 1700 or more is 90% or more, the content of labdanoids such as cembranoids and hydrocarbons, which are effective flavor components, is high, and when used as a tobacco flavor enhancer, the persistence of tobacco flavor is further improved. In the purified labdanum extract of this embodiment, the total peak area of ​​components having an RI of 1700 or more is more preferably 92% or more and 100% or less, and even more preferably 94% or more and 100% or less.

[0036] In the purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment, the sum of the peak areas of the component group having an RI of 1800 to 1900 may be 4% or less of the total peak area. The component group having an RI of 1800 to 1900 includes neophytadiene (RI: approximately 1840). While extracts of Oriental tobacco typically contain a large amount of neophytadiene, the purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment has a low neophytadiene content. In the purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment, the sum of the peak areas of the component group having an RI of 1800 to 1900 may be 0.01% or more and 3% or less, and may be 0.1% or more and 2% or less.

[0037] The purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment is useful as a tobacco flavor enhancer, and is therefore suitable for use in a flavor inhaler capable of inhaling the flavor of tobacco components, etc. Examples of flavor inhalers include non-combustion heating type flavor inhalers, non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhalers, and combustion type flavor inhalers, which will be described later. The purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment can be contained in a tobacco material filled in a tobacco rod of the flavor inhaler, for example.

[0038] [Method for Producing Purified Labdanum Extract] The method for producing a purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment includes the following steps: Step 1: preparing a labdanum extract; and Step 2: separating the labdanum extract into a fraction and a residue by distillation. The present inventors confirmed that the purified product obtained by distillation of the labdanum extract contains labdanoids and hydrocarbons, and found that when the purified product is added to tobacco, it has a reduced odor characteristic of labdanum and is effective as a tobacco flavor enhancer. This is presumably because distillation can remove low-boiling point components such as ethyl dihydrocinnamate and monoterpene hydrocarbons while sufficiently maintaining the effective flavor components, labdanoids and hydrocarbons. According to the method for producing a purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment, the purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment can be produced simply and efficiently.

[0039] (Step 1) In this step, a labdanum extract is prepared. The labdanum extract is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a steam distillate (oil), a solvent extract (concrete or absolute), or an alcohol extract of gum resin (resinoid).

[0040] (Step 2) In this step, the labdanum extract from step 1 is separated into a fraction and a residue by distillation. In order to prevent the components from being affected by chemical changes due to heat, the distillation is preferably vacuum distillation. The distillation may be carried out continuously or batchwise. The apparatus used for distillation is not particularly limited, but for example, a short-path distiller may be used for continuous distillation, and a glass tube oven may be used for batch distillation.

[0041] In this step, distillation may be performed once, but it is preferable to perform it twice or more, since low-boiling components can be removed more accurately. For example, when distillation is performed once, the labdanum extract is separated into a fraction and a residue by distillation, and the residue can be used as a purified labdanum extract. On the other hand, when distillation is performed twice, as shown in Figure 1, the labdanum extract is first separated into fraction 1 (low-boiling components) and residue 1 by the first distillation (step 2-1). Next, the residue 1 is subjected to a second distillation, which separates it into fraction 2 and residue 2 (step 2-2). Since the main low-boiling components are removed as fraction 1 by step 2-1, both fraction 2 and residue 2 can be used as a purified labdanum extract (purified labdanum extracts 1 and 2). However, residue 2 (purified labdanum extract 2) contains less low-boiling components and more high-boiling components such as labdanoids and hydrocarbons, which are useful as flavor components, and is therefore more preferred as a purified labdanum extract for use as a tobacco flavor enhancer.

[0042] When distillation is performed once, the pressure in the distillation is preferably 10 to 60 Pa, and more preferably 10 to 40 Pa, in absolute pressure. The temperature in the distillation depends on the pressure in the distillation, but is preferably 120 to 170°C, and more preferably 130 to 160°C. The distillation time depends on the pressure and temperature in the distillation, but for example, in the case of short-path distillation, the input flow rate is 50 to 300 g / hour and the passage time through the thermal evaporation section can be 30 seconds to 5 minutes, and in the case of a glass tube oven, the heating time can be 60 to 240 minutes. The mass ratio of the fraction and the residue is not particularly limited, but the ratio of the mass of the fraction to the total mass of the fraction and the residue can be, for example, 1 to 20 mass%.

[0043] When distillation is performed twice, the pressure in the first distillation is preferably 40 to 3000 Pa absolute, more preferably 40 to 1800 Pa. The temperature in the first distillation depends on the pressure in the first distillation, but is preferably 50 to 150°C, more preferably 90 to 130°C. The time of the first distillation depends on the pressure and temperature in the first distillation. For example, in the case of short-path distillation, the input flow rate is 100 to 400 g / h and the passage time through the thermal evaporation section is 15 seconds to 3 minutes, and in the case of a glass tube oven, the heating time can be 30 to 180 minutes. The mass ratio of fraction 1 and residue 1 is not particularly limited, but the ratio of the mass of fraction 1 to the total mass of fraction 1 and residue 1 can be, for example, 1 to 10 mass%.

[0044] The pressure in the second distillation is preferably 10 to 60 Pa, and more preferably 10 to 40 Pa, in absolute pressure. The temperature in the second distillation depends on the pressure in the second distillation, but is preferably 120 to 170°C, and more preferably 130 to 160°C. The time of the second distillation depends on the pressure and temperature in the second distillation. For example, in the case of short-path distillation, the input flow rate is 100 to 400 g / hour and the passage time through the thermal evaporation section is 15 seconds to 3 minutes, and in the case of a glass tube oven, the heating time can be 30 to 180 minutes. The mass ratio of fraction 2 and residue 2 is not particularly limited, but the ratio of the mass of fraction 2 to the total mass of fraction 2 and residue 2 can be, for example, 1 to 20 mass%.

[0045] [Tobacco Material] The tobacco material according to this embodiment includes the purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment. The tobacco material according to this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it includes the purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment, and examples thereof include tobacco flavorings such as liquid flavors, tobacco sheets, and tobacco shreds.

[0046] A tobacco sheet is a sheet obtained by molding a composition containing aged tobacco leaves and the like. The aged tobacco leaves used for the tobacco sheet are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include those that have been deboned and separated into lamina and midrib. The aged tobacco leaves refer to tobacco leaves that have undergone processes such as curing and long-term storage in a warehouse or the like. In this embodiment, the term "sheet" refers to a material having a pair of approximately parallel main and side surfaces. Tobacco sheets can be molded by known methods such as papermaking, casting, and rolling. Details of various tobacco sheets molded by such methods are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco," Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009. The manner in which the purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment is added to the tobacco sheet is not limited.

[0047] For example, the purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment may be dissolved in a solvent to prepare a tobacco flavoring agent in a solution form, which may then be sprayed or impregnated onto a finished tobacco sheet, or the purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment may be added when forming a tobacco sheet.For example, in the paper-making method, water-soluble components are extracted from aged tobacco leaves and separated into an aqueous extract and a residue, a mixture of the fibrous residue and pulp is made into paper, and a concentrated solution of the aqueous extract is added to the made paper sheet.The purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment can be added to the aqueous extract.In the casting method, water, pulp, a binder, and ground aged tobacco are mixed to form a mixture, which is then cast.The purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment can be added to this mixture.In the rolling method, water, pulp, a binder, and ground aged tobacco are mixed to form a mixture, which is then introduced into a plurality of rolling rollers for rolling.The purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment can be added to this mixture.

[0048] Furthermore, as described in WO 2014 / 104078, a nonwoven tobacco sheet can be obtained by mixing ground aged tobacco with a binder to form a mixture, sandwiching the mixture between nonwoven fabrics, and molding the laminate into a specific shape by heat welding. In this method, the purified labdanum extract according to the present embodiment can be added to the mixture.

[0049] The tobacco sheet may contain an aerosol-generating substrate (aerosol source). The type of aerosol-generating substrate is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products or their components can be selected depending on the application. Specific examples of aerosol-generating substrates include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol-generating substrate can be adjusted to various amounts depending on the form in which it is used in the tobacco product. For example, when the tobacco sheet contains an aerosol-generating substrate, the content thereof is typically 5% by mass or more, preferably 10% by mass or more, and more preferably 15% by mass or more, and typically 50% by mass or less, preferably 40% by mass or less, and more preferably 25% by mass or less, relative to the total mass of the tobacco sheet, from the perspective of achieving a good flavor.

[0050] Examples of tobacco shreds include aged tobacco leaves shredded to a predetermined size, the aforementioned tobacco sheets shredded to a predetermined size, or a mixture of these. The size is not limited, and examples include shreds of 0.5 to 2.0 mm in width and 3 to 10 mm in length. Tobacco shreds of this size are preferred for filling a filler, as described below. Other examples of tobacco shreds include strand-type shreds obtained by shredding processed tobacco leaves to a width of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and a length longer than the aforementioned tobacco shreds, preferably approximately the same length as cigarette paper. The purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment may be added to tobacco shreds or to raw materials before shredding.

[0051] The tobacco shreds may contain the aerosol-generating base material. When the aerosol-generating base material is contained in the tobacco shreds, the content of the aerosol-generating base material is, from the viewpoints of generating a sufficient amount of aerosol and obtaining a good flavor, usually 5% by mass or more, preferably 10% by mass or more, and more preferably 15% by mass or more, relative to the mass of the tobacco shreds, and usually 50% by mass or less, preferably 40% by mass or less, and more preferably 25% by mass or less.

[0052] [Tobacco Rod, Flavor Inhaler] The tobacco rod according to this embodiment includes the tobacco material according to this embodiment. The flavor inhaler according to this embodiment includes the tobacco rod according to this embodiment. The flavor inhaler according to this embodiment can be a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler, a non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler, or a combustion type flavor inhaler.

[0053] In this embodiment, a "flavor inhaler" refers to an item through which a user inhales flavors. Flavor inhalers are broadly classified into "combustion-type flavor inhalers" that generate flavors through combustion and "non-combustion-type flavor inhalers" that generate flavors without combustion. Non-combustion-type flavor inhalers are further broadly classified into "non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalers" that generate flavors through heating and "non-combustion-non-heating-type flavor inhalers" that generate flavors without heating. A combination of a device for generating aerosols (such as a heating device or an atomizing device) and a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhaler is also referred to as a non-combustion-heating-type flavor inhalation system.

[0054] (Non-Combustion Heating Flavor Inhaler) FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a non-combustion heating flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the non-combustion heating flavor inhaler 20 includes a tobacco rod 20A, a cylindrical cooling section 20B having perforations on its circumference, and a filter section 20C. The non-combustion heating flavor inhaler 20 may include other components. The axial length of the non-combustion heating flavor inhaler 20 is not limited, but is preferably 40 to 90 mm, more preferably 50 to 75 mm, and even more preferably 50 to 60 mm. The circumferential length of the non-combustion heating flavor inhaler 20 is preferably 16 to 25 mm, more preferably 20 to 24 mm, and even more preferably 21 to 23 mm. For example, the tobacco rod 20A may be 20 mm long, the cooling section 20B may be 20 mm long, and the filter section 20C may be 7 mm long. The lengths of these individual components can be appropriately changed depending on manufacturing suitability, required quality, and the like. Although FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the first segment 25 is disposed, it is also possible to dispose the first segment 25 and to dispose only the second segment 26 downstream of the cooling section 20B.

[0055] (1) Tobacco Rod 20A The tobacco rod 20A can use, as the tobacco filler 21, tobacco shreds or a tobacco sheet containing the purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment. The method for filling the tobacco filler 21 into the cigarette paper 22 is not particularly limited; for example, the tobacco filler 21 may be wrapped in the cigarette paper 22, or the tobacco filler 21 may be filled into a tubular cigarette paper 22. When the tobacco has a longitudinal direction, such as a rectangular shape, the tobacco may be filled so that the longitudinal direction is in an unspecified direction within the cigarette paper 22, or may be aligned in the axial direction of the tobacco rod 20A or in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. When the tobacco rod 20A is heated, the tobacco components, aerosol-generating substrate, and water contained in the tobacco filler 21 are vaporized and available for inhalation.

[0056] (2) Cooling Unit 20B The cooling unit 20B is preferably configured as a tubular member. The tubular member may be, for example, a cardboard tube 23 formed by processing cardboard into a cylindrical shape. The cooling unit 20B may also be formed from a sheet of thin material that is wrinkled and then pleated, gathered, or folded to form a channel. Examples of such a material include sheet materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, and aluminum foil. The total surface area of ​​the cooling unit 20B is appropriately adjusted taking cooling efficiency into consideration, but may be, for example, 300 to 1000 mm ２ / mm. The cooling section 20B is preferably provided with perforations 24. The presence of the perforations 24 allows outside air to be introduced into the cooling section 20B during inhalation. As a result, the vaporized components of the aerosol generated by heating the tobacco rod 20A come into contact with the outside air, and as their temperature drops, they liquefy, forming an aerosol. The diameter (distance across) of the perforations 24 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The number of perforations 24 is not particularly limited, and may be one or two or more. For example, a plurality of perforations 24 may be provided on the circumference of the cooling section 20B.

[0057] The cooling portion 20B may be rod-shaped with an axial length of, for example, 7 to 28 mm. For example, the axial length of the cooling portion 20B may be 18 mm. The cooling portion 20B may have a substantially circular axial cross-sectional shape and a diameter of 5 to 10 mm. For example, the diameter of the cooling portion may be approximately 7 mm.

[0058] (3) Filter portion 20C The configuration of the filter portion 20C is not particularly limited, and may be composed of one or more packed layers. The outside of the packed layer may be wrapped with one or more sheets of wrapping paper. The airflow resistance of the filter portion 20C can be appropriately changed depending on the amount, material, etc. of the packing filled in the filter portion 20C. For example, when the packing is cellulose acetate fiber, the airflow resistance can be increased by increasing the amount of cellulose acetate fiber filled in the filter portion 20C. When the packing is cellulose acetate fiber, the packing density of the cellulose acetate fiber is 0.13 to 0.18 g / cm. ３ The airflow resistance is a value measured using an airflow resistance measuring device (product name: SODIMAX, manufactured by SODIM).

[0059] The circumferential length of the filter part 20C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 16 to 25 mm, more preferably 20 to 24 mm, and even more preferably 21 to 23 mm. The length of the filter part 20C in the axial direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 2) can be selected from 4 to 10 mm, and the airflow resistance thereof is selected from 15 to 60 mmH. ２ The axial length of the filter portion 20C is preferably 5 to 9 mm, more preferably 6 to 8 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the filter portion 20C is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. Furthermore, a destructible capsule containing a fragrance, fragrance beads, or fragrance may be directly added to the filter portion 20C.

[0060] The filter portion 20C may include a center hole portion as the first segment 25. The center hole portion is composed of a first filling layer 25a with one or more hollow portions and an inner plug wrapper (inner wrapping paper) 25b that covers the filling layer. The center hole portion functions to increase the strength of the mouthpiece portion. The center hole portion may not have an inner plug wrapper 25b and its shape may be maintained by thermoforming. The first filling layer 25a may be, for example, a rod with an inner diameter of 5.0 to 1.0 mm, densely packed with cellulose acetate fibers and hardened with a triacetin-containing plasticizer at 6 to 20% by mass relative to the mass of cellulose acetate. Due to the high fiber packing density of the first filling layer 25a, during inhalation, air and aerosol flow only through the hollow portion and little flow within the first filling layer 25a. Because the first filling layer 25a of the center hole portion is a fiber-filled layer, the external feel during use is less likely to cause discomfort to the user. The filter portion 20C may also include a second segment 26. The second segment 26 is composed of a second packing layer 26a and an inner plug wrapper (inner wrapping paper) 26b that covers the packing layer.

[0061] The first segment 25 and the second segment 26 are connected by an outer plug wrapper (outer wrapping paper) 27. The outer plug wrapper 27 can be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper. The tobacco rod 20A, the cooling section 20B, and the connected first segment 25 and second segment 26 are connected by a mouthpiece lining paper 28. These connections can be made, for example, by applying glue such as vinyl acetate glue to the inner surface of the mouthpiece lining paper 28 and wrapping the three components around it. These components may also be connected in multiple layers using multiple lining papers.

[0062] (Non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system) An example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment is shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 3, the non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system includes a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 20 and a heating device 10 that heats a tobacco rod 20A from the outside.

[0063] The heating device 10 includes a body 11, a heater 12, a metal tube 13, a battery unit 14, and a control unit 15. The body 11 has a cylindrical recess 16, and the heater 12 and metal tube 13 are disposed in a position corresponding to the tobacco rod 20A to be inserted therein. The heater 13 may be an electric resistance heater, and is heated by power supplied from the battery unit 14 in response to instructions from a control unit 15 that controls the temperature. The heat generated by the heater 12 is transferred to the tobacco rod 20A through the metal tube 13, which has high thermal conductivity. While FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the heating device 10 heats the tobacco rod 20A from the outside, it may also heat from the inside. The heating temperature of the heating device 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 400°C or less, more preferably 150 to 400°C, and even more preferably 200 to 350°C. The heating temperature refers to the temperature of the heater 12 of the heating device 10.

[0064] (Non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler) Fig. 4 shows one aspect of a non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. The non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler 30 has a power supply unit 30D, a cartridge 30E, and a tobacco capsule 30F. The non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler 30 has a shape extending from a non-suction end u (upstream) to a mouth end d (downstream). The cartridge 30E is detachable from the power supply unit 30D. Furthermore, the tobacco capsule 30F is detachable from the cartridge 30E.

[0065] (1) Tobacco Capsule Fig. 5 shows an example of a tobacco capsule 30F. As shown in Fig. 5, the tobacco capsule 30F is a tobacco rod and has a flavor source 300 therein. The flavor source 300 includes the tobacco material according to this embodiment. The tobacco capsule 30F is connected to a cartridge 30E. Specifically, a portion of the tobacco capsule 30F is housed within the cartridge 30E.

[0066] The tobacco capsule 30F has a housing 310 that houses the flavor source 300, a mesh body 320, a nonwoven fabric 330, and a cap 340. Aerosol atomized by the atomization unit 220 (described later) is introduced into the housing 310 through the mesh body 320, and is imparted with flavor by coming into contact with the flavor source 300. The aerosol is then inhaled by the user through the nonwoven fabric 330. In this way, the non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler 30 can impart flavor to the aerosol without heating the flavor source 300. Furthermore, substantially no aerosol is generated from the flavor source 300.

[0067] In the direction of the aerosol flow, the length of the tobacco capsule 30F (housing body 310) is preferably 40 mm or less, and more preferably 25 mm or less. Furthermore, in the direction of the aerosol flow, the length is preferably 1 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm or more. In the direction perpendicular to the direction of the aerosol flow, the maximum length of the housing 310 of the tobacco capsule 30F (housing body 310) is preferably 20 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or less. Furthermore, in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the aerosol flow, the maximum length of the tobacco capsule 30F (housing body 310) is preferably 1 mm or more, and more preferably 3 mm or more.

[0068] The tobacco-containing flavor source 300 is composed of raw material pieces that impart a flavor to the aerosol. The lower limit of the raw material piece size is preferably 0.2 to 1.2 mm, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.7 mm. The smaller the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 300, the greater the specific surface area, thereby facilitating the release of flavor components. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 300 can be, for example, shredded tobacco containing the purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment, or a molded product obtained by molding the tobacco material according to this embodiment into a granular form. The flavor source 300 may also contain flavorings such as plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.) and menthol. Furthermore, the tobacco-containing flavor source 300 may also contain a flavoring agent. Examples of flavoring agents include materials that impart sweetness, sourness, saltiness, umami, bitterness, astringency, richness, spiciness, harshness, and astringency. Examples of materials that impart sweetness include sugars, sugar alcohols, and sweeteners. Examples of sugars include monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, etc. Examples of sweeteners include natural sweeteners, synthetic sweeteners, etc.

[0069] The raw material pieces are obtained, for example, by sieving in accordance with JIS Z 8815 using a stainless steel sieve conforming to JIS Z 8801. For example, the raw material pieces are sieved using a stainless steel sieve with 0.71 mm openings by dry mechanical shaking for 20 minutes to obtain raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve with 0.71 mm openings. Next, the raw material pieces are sieved using a stainless steel sieve with 0.212 mm openings by dry mechanical shaking for 20 minutes to remove the raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve with 0.212 mm openings. In other words, the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source 300 are raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve (mesh opening = 0.71 mm) that defines the upper limit but do not pass through the stainless steel sieve (mesh opening = 0.212 mm) that defines the lower limit. Therefore, the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 300 is defined by the opening size of the stainless steel sieve that defines the lower limit. Also, the upper limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 300 is defined by the opening size of the stainless steel sieve that defines the upper limit.

[0070] From the viewpoint of providing a good flavor, the amount of flavor source 300 contained in the container 310 is preferably 300 mg or more, and more preferably 350 mg or more.

[0071] (2) Power Supply Unit An example of a power supply unit 30D is shown in FIG. 6. The power supply unit 30D has a battery 110. The battery 110 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery. The initial output voltage of the battery 110 is preferably in the range of 1.2 V to 4.2 V. The battery capacity of the battery 110 is preferably in the range of 100 mAh to 1000 mAh.

[0072] (3) Cartridge An example of a cartridge 30E is shown in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an example of cartridge 30E, and Figure 8 is a diagram showing its internal structure. Cartridge 30E has a reservoir 210, an atomizing section 220, a flow path forming body 230, an outer frame 240, and an end cap 250. Cartridge 30E has a first flow path 200X, which serves as an aerosol flow path, located downstream of atomizing section 220.

[0073] The reservoir 210 stores the aerosol source 200. The reservoir 210 is located around the flow path former 230 in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow direction (direction from the non-suction end to the suction end (upstream to downstream)). The reservoir 210 is located in the gap between the flow path former 230 and the outer frame 240. The reservoir 210 is formed, for example, from a porous body such as a resin web or cotton. The reservoir 210 may also be formed from a tank that stores the liquid aerosol source 200. Examples of the aerosol source 200 include glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0074] The atomizing unit 220 atomizes the aerosol source 200 using power supplied from the battery 110 without combustion. The atomizing unit 220 is composed of a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. The atomizing unit 220 is preferably composed of a heating wire having a resistance value in the range of 1.0 to 3.0 Ω. The predetermined pitch is equal to or greater than a value at which the heating wires do not come into contact, and is preferably smaller than that. The predetermined pitch is preferably, for example, 0.40 mm or less. The predetermined pitch is preferably constant to stabilize atomization of the aerosol source 200. The predetermined pitch is the distance between the centers of adjacent heating wires.

[0075] The flow path forming body 230 has a cylindrical shape that forms a first flow path 200X extending along the aerosol flow direction. The outer frame body 240 has a cylindrical shape that houses the flow path forming body 230. The outer frame body 240 extends downstream of the end cap 250 and houses a portion of the tobacco capsule 30F. The end cap 250 is a cap that closes the gap between the flow path forming body 230 and the outer frame body 240 from the downstream side. The end cap 250 prevents the aerosol source 200 stored in the reservoir 210 from leaking toward the tobacco capsule 30F.

[0076] (Combustion-Type Flavor Inhaler) An example of a combustion-type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the combustion-type flavor inhaler 40 includes a tobacco rod 41 and a filter 42 disposed adjacent to the tobacco rod 41. The tobacco rod 41 includes a tobacco filler 43 containing the purified labdanum extract according to this embodiment and a wrapper 44 wrapped around the tobacco filler 43. The tobacco rod 41 and the filter 42 are connected by a tipping paper member 45 wrapped around the tobacco rod 41 and the filter 42. The tipping paper member 45 may have an air hole in a portion of its outer periphery. The number of air holes may be one or more, for example, 10 to 40. When the tipping paper member 45 has multiple air holes, the air holes may be arranged, for example, in a ring-like arrangement on the outer periphery of the tipping paper member 45. The multiple air holes may be arranged at approximately regular intervals. By providing the air holes, air is drawn into the filter 42 through the air holes during inhalation. By diluting the mainstream smoke with outside air from the ventilation holes, it is possible to design a product with a desired tar content. A typical example of such a combustion-type flavor inhaler is a cigarette. A user can enjoy the flavor of tobacco by lighting the tip of the tobacco rod 41 and holding the mouth end of the filter 42 between their mouths and inhaling.

[0077] The present embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0078] Example 1 (Production of Purified Labdanum Extract) A purified labdanum extract was obtained by the method shown in FIG. 1 . Specifically, 500 g of labdanum extract (Resinoid) was first prepared (Step 1). Next, to impart fluidity, the labdanum extract was heated to 130°C in advance, and 496.1 g of the labdanum extract was continuously charged into a short-path distiller (trade name: DN-60, manufactured by Asahi Seisakusho) at a rate of 250 g / hour, followed by fractional distillation under conditions of an absolute pressure of 1700 Pa and a jacket temperature of 130°C (Step 2-1). As a result, 15.2 g of fraction 1 and 464.9 g of residue 1 were obtained. The residue 1 was again heated to 130°C, and then charged into the apparatus and fractional distilled under conditions of an absolute pressure of 20 Pa and a jacket temperature of 150°C (Step 2-2). As a result, 78.6 g of fraction 2 (purified labdanum extract 1) and 362.1 g of residue 2 (purified labdanum extract 2) were obtained.

[0079] Labdanum extract before purification (Resinoid), purified labdanum extract 1, and purified labdanum extract 2 were each dissolved in ethanol and subjected to GC / MS analysis under the following conditions: The chromatogram of labdanum extract before purification (Resinoid) is shown in Fig. 10, the chromatogram of purified labdanum extract 1 is shown in Fig. 11, and the chromatogram of purified labdanum extract 2 is shown in Fig. 12.

[0080] Apparatus Agilent Technologies 7890A GC Oven 40°C (3 min) → 4°C / min → 280°C (20 min) Run time 83 min Injection volume 1 μl Injection mode Split (10:1) Injection port temperature 270°C Septum purge flow rate 5 ml / min Gas saver Off Transfer line temperature 280°C Column HP-5MS (30 m * 0.25 mm * 0.25 μm) Column flow rate 1 ml / min (constant flow mode) Solvent waiting time 4 min Gain factor 1 Measurement mode Scan Mass range 26-450 Threshold 50 Sampling rate 2 MS ion source temperature 230°C MS quadrupole temperature 150°C

[0081] Table 1 shows the peak area ratios in the range of each retention index (RI) in the chromatogram obtained by the GC / MS analysis.

[0082]

[0083] The chemical structures of the compounds (labdanoids or analogs thereof) represented by peaks a) to d) in the chromatograms shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are shown below.

[0084]

[0085] (Evaluation as a Tobacco Flavor Enhancer) Tobacco materials were prepared by adding 500 ppm by mass of unpurified labdanum extract (Resinoid), purified labdanum extract 1, or purified labdanum extract 2 to shredded tobacco. The tobacco materials were filled into tobacco rods of a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler, and panelists used the non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler to perform sensory evaluations of the amber animal aroma intensity, irritation-reducing effect, and flavor persistence. The sensory evaluation was conducted by three panelists, and evaluations were based on the consensus of the three panelists. For evaluation of the irritation-reducing effect and flavor persistence improvement, unpurified labdanum extract (Resinoid) was used as a control, and it was determined whether purified labdanum extract 1 and purified labdanum extract 2 had an irritation-reducing effect and improved flavor persistence. Note that the three panelists had been thoroughly trained in these sensory evaluations using multiple types of samples, and it was confirmed that the evaluation thresholds were equal and consistent among the panelists. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0086]

[0087] As shown in Table 2, the purified labdanum extract 1 and purified labdanum extract 2 according to the present embodiment had a weaker amber animal aroma and improved aroma persistence compared to the unpurified labdanum extract (Resinoid). Therefore, it was found that the purified labdanum extract 1 and purified labdanum extract 2 according to the present embodiment are effective as tobacco flavor enhancers. In particular, the purified labdanum extract 2 provided an irritation-reducing effect, which is a function similar to that of Orient tobacco, and imparted a persistent, heavy feeling, further improving the ease of smoking.

[0088] Example 2 A purified labdanum extract was obtained by the method shown in FIG. 1 . Specifically, 1.6 g of labdanum extract (Resinoid) was first prepared (Step 1). Next, the labdanum extract was placed in a glass tube oven (trade name: GTO-1000, manufactured by Shibata Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and continuously fractionally distilled under conditions of an absolute pressure of 55 Pa and a heating temperature of 60°C, an absolute pressure of 40 Pa and a heating temperature of 90°C, and an absolute pressure of 40 Pa and a heating temperature of 130°C (Step 2-1). As a result, 0.06 g of fraction 1 and 1.54 g of residue 1 were obtained. The residue 1 was further fractionally distilled under conditions of an absolute pressure of 40 Pa and a heating temperature of 160°C (Step 2-2). As a result, 0.03 g of fraction 2 (purified labdanum extract 1) and 1.48 g of residue 2 (purified labdanum extract 2) were obtained.

[0089] Labdanum extract before purification (Resinoid), purified labdanum extract 1, and purified labdanum extract 2 were each dissolved in ethanol and subjected to GC / MS analysis under the same conditions as in Example 1. In the chromatogram obtained by the GC / MS analysis, the peak area ratios in each retention index (RI) range are shown in Table 3.

[0090]

[0091] The present embodiment includes the following aspects.

[0092] [1] A purified labdanum extract, in which, when analyzed by GC / MS using a column whose stationary phase is 95% dimethylpolysiloxane, the sum of the peak areas of components having a retention index (RI) of 1399 or less is 20% or less of the sum of the entire peak area.

[0093] [2] A purified labdanum extract described in [1], in which the sum of the peak areas of the component group having a retention index (RI) of 2500 or more is 30% or more of the sum of the entire peak area.

[0094] [3] A purified labdanum extract described in [1] or [2], in which the sum of the peak areas of the component group having a retention index (RI) of 1700 or more is 90% or more of the sum of the entire peak area.

[0095] [4] A purified labdanum extract according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the total peak area of ​​the component group having a retention index (RI) of 1800 to 1900 is 4% or less of the total peak area.

[0096] [5] A method for producing the purified labdanum extract according to any one of [1] to [4], comprising: Step 1 of preparing a labdanum extract; and Step 2 of separating the labdanum extract into a fraction and a residue by distillation.

[0097] [6] The method according to [5], wherein the distillation is vacuum distillation.

[0098] [7] The method according to [5] or [6], wherein the labdanum extract is a steam distillate (oil), a solvent extract (concrete or absolute), or an alcohol extract of gum resin (resinoid).

[0099] [8] The purified labdanum extract according to any one of [1] to [4], which is used in a flavor inhaler.

[0100] [9] The purified labdanum extract according to [8], which is used in a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler or a non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler.

[0101]

[10] The purified labdanum extract according to [8], which is used in a combustion-type flavor inhaler.

[0102]

[11] A tobacco material comprising the purified labdanum extract according to any one of [1] to [4] and [8] to

[10] .

[0103]

[12] A tobacco rod comprising the tobacco material according to

[11] .

[0104]

[13] A flavor inhaler comprising the tobacco rod according to

[12] .

[0105]

[14] The flavor inhaler according to

[13] , which is a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler or a non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler.

[0106]

[15] The flavor inhaler according to

[13] , which is a combustion-type flavor inhaler.

[0107] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Heating device 11 Body 12 Heater 13 Metal tube 14 Battery unit 15 Control unit 16 Recess 17 Ventilation hole 20 Non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 20A Tobacco rod portion 20B Cooling portion 20C Filter portion 21 Tobacco filler 22 Cigarette paper 23 Paper tube 24 Perforation 25 First segment 25a First filling layer 25b Inner plug wrapper 26 Second segment 26a Second filling layer 26b Inner plug wrapper 27 Outer plug wrapper 28 Lining paper 30 Non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler 30D Power supply unit 30E Cartridge 30F Tobacco capsule u Non-smoking end d Mouthing end 40 Combustion type flavor inhaler 41 Tobacco rod 42 Filter 43 Tobacco filler 44 Wrapper 45 Tipping paper member 110: Battery 200: Aerosol source 210: Reservoir 220: Atomization section 230: Flow path forming body 240: Outer frame 240 250: End cap 200X: First flow path 300: Flavor source 310: Container 320: Mesh body 330: Nonwoven fabric 340: Cap

Claims

1. A purified labdanum extract in which, when analyzed by GC / MS using a column whose stationary phase is 95% dimethylpolysiloxane, the sum of the peak areas of components having a retention index (RI) of 1399 or less is 20% or less of the sum of the entire peak area.

2. 2. The purified labdanum extract according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the peak areas of components having a retention index (RI) of 2500 or more is 30% or more of the sum of the entire peak areas.

3. 2. The purified labdanum extract according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the peak areas of components having a retention index (RI) of 1700 or more is 90% or more of the sum of the entire peak areas.

4. 2. The purified labdanum extract according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the peak areas of the component group having a retention index (RI) of 1800 to 1900 is 4% or less of the sum of the entire peak areas.

5. A method for producing the purified labdanum extract according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: Step 1: preparing a labdanum extract; Step 2: separating the labdanum extract into a fraction and a residue using distillation; A method comprising:

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the distillation is a vacuum distillation.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the labdanum extract is a steam distillate (oil), a solvent extract (concrete or absolute), or an alcohol extract of gum resin (resinoid).

8. The purified labdanum extract according to claim 1, which is used in a flavor inhaler.

9. The purified labdanum extract according to claim 8, which is used in a non-combustion, non-heating flavor inhaler or a non-combustion, non-heating flavor inhaler.

10. The purified labdanum extract according to claim 8, which is used in a combustion-type flavor inhaler.

11. A tobacco material comprising the purified labdanum extract according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 8 to 10.

12. A tobacco rod comprising the tobacco material of claim 11.

13. A flavor inhaler comprising the tobacco rod of claim 12.

14. The flavor inhaler according to claim 13, which is a non-combustion and heating type flavor inhaler or a non-combustion and non-heating type flavor inhaler.

15. The flavor inhaler according to claim 13, which is a combustion-type flavor inhaler.