Tobacco material containing specific amount of CBT, method for producing same, and smoking article containing same

Abstract

A tobacco material in which the ratio of the amount of cembratrienediol (CBT) to the total amount of nitrogen is greater than or equal to 0.16. The tobacco material preferably contains 0.6 wt.% or more of the CBT.

Description

Tobacco material containing a specific amount of CBT, its manufacturing method, and smoking articles containing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to tobacco materials containing specific amounts of CBT, methods for their production, and smoking articles containing the same.

[0002] Cembranoids are a group of naturally occurring diterpenoid compounds with a characteristic 14-membered ring structure and are widely distributed in nature. Many cembranoids have been reported from plants (conifers and tobacco), insects, and marine organisms. In recent years, they have attracted significant interest from researchers of natural products and pharmaceuticals due to their attractive structures and their biological activities, including antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Nicotiana species (Nicotiana) are the terrestrial plant with the highest concentration of cembranoids, which contribute to the characteristic aroma of tobacco. The two major cembranoids in tobacco are 4S-cembranoid (1S,2E,4S,6R,7E,11E)-cembra-2,7,11-triene-4,6-diol (α-CBT) and its stereoisomer, β-CBT. Interestingly, cembratrienediol in tobacco is said to bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and have neuroprotective and anti-nicotine addiction effects, suggesting that tobacco contains physiologically active substances derived from nicotine that have both addictive and anti-addictive properties.

[0003] α- and β-CBT have attracted attention because they are precursors of the major aroma components of the Nicotiana genus (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). For example, α- and β-CBT are biochemically degraded to aroma compounds such as solanone and solangione (Non-Patent Documents 3 and 4). Solanone has attracted attention as an important component that imparts carrot and licorice flavors and possesses a tea-like aroma (Non-Patent Documents 5 to 7). Adding solanone to tobacco is said to enhance the aroma, soften the smoke, and significantly improve the quality of the tobacco (Non-Patent Documents 8 to 10).

[0004] https: / / www.chromatographyonline.com / view / py-gc-ms-investigation-of-pyrolysis-behaviours- and-decomposition-products-of---and--2-7-11-cembratriene-4-6-diolsA.H. Martins, J. Hu, Z. Xu, C. Mu, P. Alvarez, B.D. Ford, et al., Neuroscience 291, 250-259 (2015).K.W. Chang, W.W. Weeks, and J.A. Weybrew, Tobacco Sci. 29, 122-127 (1985).I. Wahlberg, E. Olsson, and J.E. Berg, Progress in Flavour Precursor Studies: Analysis, Generation, Biotechnology: Proceedings of the International Conference, Wurzburg, Germany, 30 September-2 October 1992 (Allured Publishing Corporation, Carol Stream, Illinois, USA, 1993), pp. 83-95.A.W. Johnson, R.F. Severson, J. Hudson, G.R. Corner, and R.F. Arrendale, Tobacco Sci. 29, 67-72 (1985).R.F. Severson, A.W. Johnson, and D.M. Jackson, Rec. Adv. Tobacco Sci. 11, 105-174 (1985).R.L. Stedman, Chem. Rev. 68(2), 153-207 (1968).M. Martens, G.A Dalen, and R. Helmut, Flavour Science and Technology (John Wiley and Sons Ltd, New York, NY, USA, 1987), pp. 101-106.R.B.Griffith, RR Johnson, and AD Quinn. US Patent, 3,174,485 (23 March, 1965). K. Guanghui and Z. Hui, Chinese Agr. Sci. Bull. 12, 108-110 (2006).

[0005] As described above, CBT is known to be significantly related to the quality of tobacco. However, the CBT content in tobacco is typically up to approximately 6,000 ppm. Using a large amount of tobacco raw material to increase the CBT content in a smoking article also increases the content of alkaloids, including nicotine. The inventors therefore conceived the idea that a high CBT / total nitrogen ratio could enhance the distinctive tobacco flavor while suppressing the alkaloid-derived smoking taste. In light of these circumstances, an objective of the present invention is to provide a tobacco material that enhances the distinctive tobacco flavor while suppressing the alkaloid-derived smoking taste.

[0006] The inventors have found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by the following inventions. Aspect 1: A tobacco material having a cembratrienediol (CBT) / total nitrogen content of ≧0.16. Aspect 2: The material according to Aspect 1, containing 0.6% by weight or more of the CBT. Aspect 3: The material according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the CBT is derived from a tobacco plant. Aspect 4: A smoking article comprising the tobacco material according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3. Aspect 5: A method for producing the material according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: extracting the CBT from tobacco raw materials; and adding the extracted CBT to a substrate. Aspect 6: The production method according to Aspect 5, wherein the substrate comprises tobacco leaves, tobacco sheets, tobacco shreds, tobacco strands, tobacco granules, or a combination thereof.

[0007] The present invention can provide a tobacco material that suppresses the smoking taste derived from alkaloids while improving the flavor unique to tobacco.

[0008] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a non-combustion heating type smoking article. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a non-combustion heating type smoking system.

[0009] In this disclosure, "X to Y" includes the end values ​​X and Y. 1. Tobacco Materials Tobacco materials are materials for smoking articles, such as fillers or additives. Fillers are materials that can be used in tobacco fillers. Fillers can be solids, such as shreds, sheets, or strands. Additives can also be liquids that can be added to a substrate.

[0010] (1) CBT / Total Nitrogen Content In one embodiment, the cembratrienediol (CBT) / total nitrogen ratio of the tobacco material is 0.16 or greater. Because the tobacco material contains a large amount of CBT, it enhances the tobacco-specific flavor. This ratio (hereinafter also referred to as the "C / N ratio") is preferably 0.19 or greater, more preferably 0.20 or greater, and even more preferably 1.0 or greater. While there is no upper limit for the C / N ratio, it is preferably 10 or less.

[0011] The tobacco material preferably contains 0.6 wt % or more, and more preferably 1.0 wt % or more, of CBT, based on the weight of the material. The CBT is preferably derived from natural sources, and more preferably from tobacco plants.

[0012] The amount of CBT is measured by a known method. For example, the amount can be measured using gas chromatography. Since CBT is soluble in organic solvents, it is preferable to extract the sample with a non-polar organic solvent (e.g., hexane) to obtain an organic phase, and then subject this organic phase to analysis by gas chromatography. The organic phase may be further extracted with water to remove water-soluble components, and then subject to analysis by gas chromatography. The gas chromatography measurement conditions may also be known methods, but for example, measurement can be performed under the following conditions. Column: HP-5MS (30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 μm) Oven: Hold at 40°C for 3 minutes → Heat at 4°C / min → Hold at 280°C for 20 minutes Detector: FID Injection port: Split (10:1), 270°C Injection volume: 1 μl Flow rate: 1 ml / min (constant flow mode)

[0013] The total nitrogen content can be measured by known methods. For example, the amount can be measured using the Kjeldahl method. For example, 0.2 g of tobacco material is weighed, a decomposition accelerator (Keltab) and 10 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid are slowly added, and the mixture is heated at 400°C for 40 minutes. After the reaction, the mixture is cooled, diluted with water, and alkalized with sodium hydroxide. The mixture is distilled using a Kjeldahl distillation apparatus, trapped in a receiver, and titrated with a pH indicator.

[0014] (2) Components [Solid] 1) Tobacco Raw Material (Component (A)) In this embodiment, the tobacco material preferably includes a tobacco raw material (also referred to as component (A)) and an aerosol source (also referred to as component (B)). The tobacco raw material is a raw material derived from a Nicotiana plant. Specific examples of component (A) include tobacco shreds, tobacco powder, tobacco sheets, and strands, which are commonly used in the art. These may be used alone or in combination. Examples of leaf tobacco used for component (A) include Nicotiana tabacum. While the variety is not limited, known varieties such as burley and flue-cured tobacco can be used. A mixture of one or more of these leaf tobaccos can be used. A blend of the aforementioned varieties can be used to achieve the desired flavor. In one embodiment, the tobacco material contains component (A) that satisfies the C / N ratio, and the tobacco material as a whole satisfies the C / N ratio. In this case, the tobacco material is composed of component (A) that satisfies the C / N ratio and a component that does not affect the C / N ratio. A method for preparing component (A) that satisfies the C / N ratio will be described later. In another embodiment, the tobacco material contains a component (A) that does not satisfy the C / N ratio and externally added CBT, and the tobacco material as a whole satisfies the C / N ratio.

[0015] The amount of component (A) in the tobacco material is preferably 70 to 95% by weight, more preferably 85 to 95% by weight.

[0016] 2) Aerosol Source (Component (B)) The aerosol source (also referred to as "Component (B)") is a material that vaporizes when heated and cools to generate an aerosol, or that generates an aerosol by atomization. When the filler contains an aerosol source, a sufficient amount of smoke can be achieved. Known aerosol sources can be used, and examples include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol (PG), triethyl citrate (TEC), and triacetin. The amount of the aerosol source in the tobacco material is preferably 3 to 30 wt %, more preferably 5 to 15 wt %. If the amount of the aerosol source exceeds the upper limit, stains or the like may occur on the tobacco segments, while if it is below the lower limit, the perceived smoke intensity may be reduced.

[0017] 3) Non-Tobacco Flavoring Agent (Component (C)) The tobacco material may further contain a non-tobacco flavoring agent (also referred to as "component (C)"). A non-tobacco flavoring agent is a flavoring agent that is not derived from tobacco. Examples of non-tobacco flavoring agents include flavoring agents, cooling agents, and combinations thereof. Known flavoring agents and cooling agents can be used.

[0018] In particular, the following fragrances can be used alone or in combination: acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peru balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronellol, and clary sage extract. Lacto, cocoa, coffee, konjac oil, coriander oil, cumin aldehyde, davana oil, δ-decalactone, γ-decalactone, decanoic acid, dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, gene absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid, lauryl methylpropional Ingredients: methicone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, immortelle absolute, beta-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, robertia jasmine Orris root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, para-methoxybenzaldehyde, methyl 2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, honey, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, gamma-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, delta-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, omega-pentadeca Calactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain Paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenylguaethol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, α-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl (1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratraldehyde, violet leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide)acetate (WS-5).

[0019] 4) Non-Tobacco Material (Component (E)) The tobacco material may contain a non-tobacco material (also referred to as "component (E)"). The non-tobacco material may be cellulose fiber or a cellulose derivative such as carboxymethyl cellulose. The non-tobacco material is preferably used in combination with component (A).

[0020] [For Liquids] 1) Solvent or Dispersion Medium (Component (F)) In this embodiment, the tobacco material preferably contains a solvent or dispersion medium (also referred to as "component (F)"). The solvent is preferably an alcohol such as ethanol. The amount is adjusted appropriately to achieve an appropriate viscosity, and in one embodiment, can be 70 to 95% by weight of the tobacco material. In this embodiment, the tobacco material may also contain the aforementioned components A to E, particularly preferably component (B) or (C), as needed.

[0021] 2. Manufacturing Method Tobacco materials are preferably manufactured by the following method. (1) Method 1 This method comprises the following steps: 1-1) Prepare CBT. 1-2) Add the CBT to a substrate. Step 1-1 can be performed by subjecting tobacco raw materials (e.g., tobacco leaves) to extraction using an organic solvent. In other words, this step produces CBT derived from tobacco plants. Examples of the organic solvent include nonpolar organic solvents, and hexane is preferred. The extraction temperature is not limited, but can be 20 to 50°C. The amount of organic solvent can be 5 to 20 times the weight of the tobacco raw materials. The extraction time can be adjusted appropriately, but can be, for example, approximately 0.5 to 2 hours. Furthermore, it is preferable to remove components other than CBT from the organic phase obtained by this extraction. Specifically, it is preferable to subject the organic phase to extraction using water. This step allows the removal of nitrogen-containing compounds (e.g., alkaloids such as nicotine).

[0022] Step 1-2 can be carried out by adding the CBT-containing solution or dispersion obtained in the previous step to a substrate, or by impregnating the substrate with the CBT-containing solution or dispersion. The amount of CBT is adjusted appropriately to achieve the above-mentioned C / N ratio. The substrate is preferably the aforementioned component (A). The form of the substrate is not limited and may be tobacco leaves, tobacco sheets, tobacco shreds, tobacco strands, or tobacco granules. The substrate may also be a mixture of tobacco raw material (component (A)) and non-tobacco materials. In this case, a solid tobacco material can be prepared. Furthermore, the CBT-containing liquid obtained in step 1-1 can be used as a liquid tobacco material as long as the C / N ratio is within the above-mentioned range, or it can be used as a liquid tobacco material by adjusting the C / N ratio to be within the above-mentioned range.

[0023] (2) Method 2 This method comprises a step of removing nitrogen-containing compounds from tobacco raw materials. Specifically, this method comprises the following steps: 2-1) Extracting the tobacco raw material using an organic solvent to separate it into an organic phase 1 and a residue 1. 2-2) Removing the organic solvent from the organic phase 1 to obtain a concentrate 2. 2-3) Extracting the residue 1 with water to separate it into an aqueous phase 3 and a residue 3. 2-4) Removing nitrogen-containing compounds (e.g., alkaloids) from the aqueous phase 3, and then removing the water to obtain a concentrate 4. 2-5) Adding concentrate 2 and concentrate 4 to residue 3.

[0024] Steps 2-1 and 2-2 can be carried out in the same manner as step 1-1. Concentrate 2 contains organic compounds including CBT.

[0025] In step 2-3, it is preferable to use water in an amount 10 to 30 times by weight relative to the residue 1. The extraction temperature can be 20 to 40°C. The aqueous phase 3 contains nitrogen-containing compounds (e.g., alkaloids such as nicotine). The method for removing the nitrogen-containing compounds from the aqueous phase 3 is not limited, but a strongly acidic cation exchange resin can be used, for example. Since the nitrogen-containing compounds are trapped by the strongly acidic cation exchange resin, the amount of nitrogen-containing compounds in the aqueous phase 3 decreases, i.e., the total amount of nitrogen decreases. The concentrate 4 obtained by removing water from the aqueous phase 3 from which the nitrogen-containing compounds have been removed contains active ingredients other than the nitrogen-containing compounds.

[0026] In step 2-5, by adding concentrate 2 and concentrate 4 to residue 3, a tobacco raw material (tobacco material) can be obtained that has approximately the same amount of CBT as the raw material but a reduced amount of total nitrogen. If necessary, the above-mentioned components may be added to the tobacco material.

[0027] 3. Uses The tobacco material is suitable for smoking articles. For example, when the tobacco material is in the form of shreds, sheets, or strands, it is useful as a tobacco filler for smoking articles. Furthermore, when the tobacco material is in liquid form, it is useful as an additive for components of smoking articles. Components to which the additive can be added include non-tobacco shreds, non-tobacco sheets, non-tobacco strands, wrappers, filters, etc. Methods of addition include, but are not limited to, impregnation, spraying, coating, etc. These components to which the additive has been added may also be types of tobacco material of this embodiment.

[0028] The tobacco material is particularly suitable for use in combustion-type smoking articles or non-combustion-type heated smoking articles, and is particularly suitable for non-combustion-type heated smoking articles. Below, non-combustion-type heated smoking articles will be described as a typical application.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a non-combustion heat-activated smoking article. As shown in the figure, the non-combustion heat-activated smoking article 20 comprises a tobacco segment 20A, a cylindrical cooling section 20B having perforations on its circumference, and a filter section 20C. The non-combustion heat-activated smoking article 20 may also comprise other components. The axial length of the non-combustion heat-activated smoking article 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 heat-activated smoking article 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 segment 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. 1 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.

[0030] 1) Tobacco Segment 20A The tobacco filler 21 in the tobacco segment 20A contains a tobacco material having the specific C / N ratio. The method for filling the tobacco filler 21 into the wrapper 22 is not particularly limited; for example, the tobacco filler 21 may be wrapped in the wrapper 22, or the tobacco filler 21 may be filled into a tubular wrapper 22. When the tobacco filler has a longitudinal direction, such as a rectangular shape, it may be filled so that the longitudinal direction is in an unspecified direction within the wrapper 22, or may be aligned in the axial direction of the tobacco segment 20A or in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. When the tobacco segment 20A is heated, the tobacco components, aerosol source, and water contained in the tobacco filler 21 vaporize and are available for inhalation.

[0031] 2) Cooling Section 20B The cooling section 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 section 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 section 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 aerosol components generated by heating the tobacco segment 20A come into contact with the outside air, their temperature drops, and they liquefy, forming an aerosol. The diameter (distance) 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 around the circumference of the cooling section 20B.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 filter packing filled in the filter portion 20C. For example, when the filter 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 filter 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).

[0034] 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. 1) 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.

[0035] 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 6 to 20% by weight of a plasticizer containing triacetin. Because the first filling layer 25a has a high fiber packing density, during inhalation, air and aerosol flow only through the hollow portion and barely within the first filling layer 25a. Because the first filling layer 25a inside the center hole portion is a fiber-packed layer, the feel from the outside 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.

[0036] The first filling layer 25a and the second filling layer 26a 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 segment 20A, the cooling section 20B, and the connected first filling layer 25a and second filling layer 26a are connected by a mouthpiece lining paper 28. These connections can be made, for example, by applying a vinyl acetate glue or other adhesive to the inner surface of the mouthpiece lining paper 28 and wrapping the three components. These components may also be connected in multiple layers using multiple lining papers.

[0037] A combination of a non-combustion heated smoking article and a heating device for generating aerosol is also referred to as a non-combustion heated smoking system. An example of such a system is shown in Fig. 2. In the figure, the non-combustion heated smoking system includes a non-combustion heated smoking article 20 and a heating device 10 that heats a tobacco segment 20A from the outside.

[0038] The heating device 10 comprises 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 at positions corresponding to the tobacco segment 20A to be inserted therein. The heater 12 may be an electric resistance heater, and is heated by power supplied from the battery unit 14 in response to instructions from a temperature-controlling control unit 15. The heat generated by the heater 12 is transferred to the tobacco segment 20A through the metal tube 13, which has high thermal conductivity. While the figure shows a configuration in which the heating device 10 heats the tobacco segment 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 in the heating device 10. Alternatively, a susceptor may be disposed within the tobacco segment 20A, and the tobacco segment 20A may be heated by an induction heating method.

[0039] The following are embodiments. Aspect 1: A tobacco material having a cembratrienediol (CBT) / total nitrogen content of ≧0.16. Aspect 2: The material according to Aspect 1, containing 0.6% by weight or more of the CBT. Aspect 3: The material according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the CBT is derived from a tobacco plant. Aspect 4: A smoking article comprising the tobacco material according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3. Aspect 5: A method for producing the material according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: extracting the CBT from tobacco raw materials; and adding the extracted CBT to a substrate. Aspect 6: The method according to Aspect 5, wherein the substrate comprises tobacco leaves, tobacco sheets, tobacco shreds, tobacco strands, tobacco granules, or a combination thereof.

[0040] Comparative Example 1: Various types of tobacco leaf were prepared, each with a CBT content of 1000 to 4500 ppm and a total nitrogen content of 1.9 to 4.1% by weight. Glycerin was added to each of these to prepare tobacco materials. The amount of glycerin in the tobacco materials was 10% by weight. The CBT / total nitrogen ratio in the tobacco materials was 0.048 to 0.136.

[0041] Example 1 (External Addition of CBT) Hexane (10 times by weight) was added to burley dried tobacco powder and stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was then allowed to stand at room temperature to separate the solution from the extraction residue. An aqueous solution containing 0.1 wt% sulfuric acid and 10 wt% sodium chloride was added to the hexane solution, mixed, and separated. The amounts of sulfuric acid and sodium chloride were the same as those of the hexane solution. The hexane solution obtained by separation was dehydrated using sodium sulfate and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. Ethanol was added to the dried product, which was dispersed using ultrasound, followed by solid-liquid separation to obtain a concentrated ethanol solution of CBT. This solution was sprayed onto flue-cured tobacco and mixed with glycerin to obtain a tobacco material. The tobacco material contained 10 wt% glycerin, 8519 ppm CBT, and 3.5 wt% total nitrogen. The CBT / total nitrogen ratio was 0.244.

[0042] Example 2 (External Addition of CBT) Hexane (10 times by weight) was added to burley dried tobacco powder and stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was then allowed to stand at room temperature to separate the solution and the extraction residue. An aqueous solution containing 0.1 wt% sulfuric acid and 10 wt% sodium chloride was added to the resulting solution, mixed, and separated. The amounts of sulfuric acid and sodium chloride were the same as those of the hexane solution. The hexane solution obtained by separation was dehydrated with sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. CBT was crudely purified using silica gel chromatography (methanol:ethyl acetate = 3:1 as developing solvent). An ethanol solution of the crude CBT mixture was prepared, and the solution was sprayed onto burley dried tobacco leaves. Glycerin was then added to obtain a tobacco material. The tobacco material contained 10 wt% glycerin, 9112 ppm CBT, and 4.7 wt% total nitrogen. The CBT / total nitrogen ratio was 0.194.

[0043] [Example 3] (No CBT added, reduced N content) Flue-cured tobacco was soaked in 10 times its weight of hexane for 3 hours, and then the solution and residue X were separated. An equivalent amount of an aqueous solution containing 0.1% sulfuric acid and 10% sodium chloride was added to the resulting solution, mixed, and the solution was separated. The amounts of the sulfuric acid and the aqueous sodium chloride solution were the same as those of the hexane solution. The hexane solution obtained by separation was dehydrated with sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain a hexane solution concentrate H.

[0044] Residue X was dried to remove the hexane, and then extracted with 20 times its weight of water. The aqueous extract obtained by this extraction was separated from residue Y. A strongly acidic cation exchange resin (8% cross-linking, 200-400 mesh) was added to the aqueous extract and stirred, after which the resin was removed and the aqueous extract was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain concentrate W.

[0045] Concentrate H and Concentrate W were each sprayed back onto Residue X, and glycerin was then mixed in to obtain a tobacco material. The tobacco material had a glycerin content of 10 wt%, a CBT content of 1084 ppm, and a total nitrogen content of 0.6 wt%, i.e., a CBT / total nitrogen ratio of 0.168.

[0046] Example 4 (No CBT Added, Reduced N Amount) A tobacco material was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that Burley cured leaf tobacco was used. The tobacco material had a glycerin content of 10 wt%, a CBT content of 1505 ppm, and a total nitrogen content of 0.6 wt%. In other words, the CBT / total nitrogen ratio was 0.245.

[0047] [Example 5] (External addition of CBT, reduced N content) Twenty times the weight of water was added to burley dried leaf tobacco, and extraction was carried out at room temperature with gentle stirring. The extract and residue were separated, and a strong acid cation exchange resin (8% cross-linking, 200-400 mesh) was added to the extract and stirred, after which the resin was removed and the extract was concentrated under reduced pressure. The concentrated liquid was added to the extraction residue and poured back in.

[0048] Separately, a solution containing purified CBT was prepared. An amount of this solution equivalent to 6,000 ppm of CBT was added to the extraction residue to obtain a tobacco material. The CBT content of the tobacco material was 7,800 ppm, and the total nitrogen content was 0.6 wt%. That is, the CBT / total nitrogen ratio was 1.25.

[0049] Example 6 (Mixing Non-Tobacco Materials) A concentrated ethanol solution of CBT was obtained using the same method as in Example 1. Tobacco powder consisting of flue-cured and burley varieties was mixed with cellulose fiber, carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin, and the concentrated ethanol solution of CBT, and water was added and kneaded. The kneaded mixture was laminated to obtain a sheet-shaped tobacco material. The CBT content of the tobacco material was 8519 ppm, and the total nitrogen content was 3.5 wt%. In other words, the CBT / total nitrogen ratio was 1.31.

[0050] Example 7 Tobacco segments shown in Figure 1 were prepared from the tobacco materials obtained in the Comparative Example and Examples 1 to 6. Subsequently, non-combustion heat-type smoking articles incorporating the tobacco segments were manufactured, and smoking tests were conducted by four expert panelists. Evaluation factors included the perceived smoke volume and mouthfeel upon inhalation, which were rated on a 7-point scale. The higher the score for perceived smoke volume divided by the score for mouthfeel, the more desirable the sensory characteristics.

[0051]

[0052] It is clear that the tobacco materials obtained in Examples 1 to 6 suppress the smoking taste derived from alkaloids while improving the flavor characteristic of tobacco.

[0053] 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 smoking article 20A Tobacco segment 20B Cooling section 20C Filter section 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

Claims

1. A tobacco material having a cembratrienediol (CBT) / total nitrogen content of ≧0.

16.

2. 2. The material of claim 1, wherein the CBT is present in an amount of 0.6% by weight or more.

3. 3. The material of claim 1 or 2, wherein the CBT is derived from a tobacco plant.

4. A smoking article comprising the tobacco material of claim 1 or 2.

5. Extracting the CBT from tobacco raw materials; and adding the extracted CBT to a substrate; A method for producing the material according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the substrate comprises tobacco leaves, tobacco sheets, tobacco shreds, tobacco strands, tobacco granules, or a combination thereof.