Liquid composition and electronic cigarette

Abstract

The purpose of this invention is to provide, inter alia, a liquid composition demonstrating excellent stress reduction effect. This invention relates to a liquid composition containing an organic solvent and beta-caryophyllene, wherein the content of the beta-caryophyllene is 0.5-10.0 mass% with respect to the total amount of the liquid composition.

Description

Liquid composition and electronic cigarette

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid composition and an electronic cigarette.

[0002] As alternatives to conventional combustion-type cigarettes, research, development, and commercialization of electronic cigarettes, such as heated tobacco and vapes, are progressing. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate containing homogenized plant material including clove particles, and the aerosol-generating substrate containing specific amounts of eugenol, eugenol acetate, and β-caryophyllene.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2022-502013

[0004] However, even if a user inhales the aerosol using the aerosol-generating article described in Patent Document 1, the stress-reducing effect is insufficient or not at all.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid composition and the like that has an excellent stress-reducing effect.

[0006] As a result of extensive research to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have found that a liquid composition containing an organic solvent and β-caryophyllene, in which the content of β-caryophyllene is adjusted to a specific amount relative to the total amount of the liquid composition, can solve the above-mentioned problems, and have completed the present invention. That is, the present invention is as follows: [1] A liquid composition containing an organic solvent and β-caryophyllene, in which the content of the β-caryophyllene is 0.5 to 10.0 mass% relative to the total amount of the liquid composition. [2] The liquid composition according to [1], further comprising a fragrance, in which the content of the fragrance is 0.5 to 10.0 mass% relative to the total amount of the liquid composition. [3] The liquid composition according to [1] or [2], in which the content of the β-caryophyllene is 1.0 to 5.0 mass% relative to the total amount of the liquid composition. [4] The organic solvent contains glycerol and propylene glycol, in which the content of the glycerol is 0.5 to 10.0 mass% relative to the total amount of the liquid composition. ｇis 40.0 to 70.0 mass% with respect to the total amount of the liquid composition, and the content W of the propylene glycol ｐ is 25.0 to 55.0 mass% with respect to the total amount of the liquid composition, and the content W of the propylene glycol ｐ The glycerol W ｇ The ratio of the content of (W ｇ / W ｐ ) is 0.7 to 3.0. [5] The liquid composition according to any one of [1] to [4], having a boiling point of 90 to 210°C. [6] The liquid composition according to any one of [1] to [5], which is substantially free of nicotine. [7] The liquid composition according to any one of [1] to [6], which is substantially free of cannabidiol. [8] The liquid composition according to [1] to [7], which is for use in an electronic cigarette. [9] A liquid cartridge filled with the liquid composition according to any one of [1] to [8].

[10] An electronic cigarette equipped with the liquid cartridge according to [9].

[0007] According to the present invention, a liquid composition and the like having an excellent stress-reducing effect can be provided.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of an electronic cigarette.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as necessary. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0010] 1. Liquid Composition The liquid composition according to this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "liquid composition") is a liquid composition containing an organic solvent and β-caryophyllene, and the content of the β-caryophyllene is 0.5 to 10.0 mass % relative to the total amount of the liquid composition.

[0011] The liquid composition according to this embodiment contains an organic solvent and β-caryophyllene, and exhibits a stress-reducing effect when the β-caryophyllene content is 0.5 to 10.0% by mass relative to the total amount of the liquid composition. If the β-caryophyllene content exceeds 10.0% by mass relative to the total amount of the liquid composition, not only the stress-reducing effect but also other negative side effects such as stimulant effects may occur. Furthermore, if the β-caryophyllene content is less than 0.5% by mass relative to the total amount of the liquid composition, the stress-reducing effect is not achieved or is very low. On the other hand, it is believed that the stress-reducing effect of β-caryophyllene is appropriately exhibited when the β-caryophyllene concentration is within an appropriate range.

[0012] The boiling point of the liquid composition according to this embodiment is preferably 90 to 210° C., more preferably 100 to 200° C., and even more preferably 110 to 190° C. When the boiling point of the liquid composition is within the above range, it becomes possible to generate an appropriate amount of vapor at an appropriate temperature when the liquid composition is applied to an electronic cigarette, which tends to enable a further improvement in the stress-reducing effect while reducing power consumption.

[0013] The liquid composition according to this embodiment is preferably used in an electronic cigarette. In this embodiment, the electronic cigarette refers to a tobacco product other than a conventional combustion-type tobacco product, and includes, but is not limited to, a heated tobacco product, a vape, an electronic hookah, and an electronic pipe. In this embodiment, the combustion-type tobacco product refers to a tobacco product that generates smoke by burning tobacco leaves or the like. In addition, in this embodiment, the heated tobacco product refers to a tobacco product that generates vapor by electrically heating tobacco leaves or the like. In addition, the vape product refers to a tobacco product that generates vapor by electrically heating a liquid substance at room temperature (25°C) and under one atmosphere.

[0014] Each component of the liquid composition of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0015] 1.1 Organic Solvent The liquid composition of this embodiment contains an organic solvent. As the organic solvent, an organic solvent with low toxicity to the human body is preferable, and glycerol and propylene glycol are more preferable.

[0016] When the liquid composition of the present embodiment contains glycerol as an organic solvent, the content of glycerol is preferably 40.0 to 70.0 mass %, more preferably 42.5 to 67.5 mass %, and even more preferably 45.0 to 65.0 mass %, relative to the total amount of the liquid composition.

[0017] When the liquid composition of the present embodiment contains propylene glycol as the organic solvent, the content of propylene glycol is preferably 25.0 to 55.0 mass %, more preferably 27.5 to 52.5 mass %, and even more preferably 30.0 to 50.0 mass %, relative to the total amount of the liquid composition.

[0018] When the liquid composition of this embodiment contains glycerol and propylene glycol as organic solvents, the content of propylene glycol W ｐ Glycerol W ｇ The ratio of the content of (W ｇ / W ｐ ) is preferably 0.7 to 3.0, more preferably 0.8 to 2.5, even more preferably 0.9 to 2.0, still more preferably 1.0 to 1.9, and particularly preferably 1.1 to 1.7. ｇ / W ｐ By ensuring that the viscosity of the liquid composition is within the above range, the viscosity of the liquid composition will be within an appropriate range, and when the liquid composition is applied to an electronic cigarette, the supply rate of the liquid to the atomizer (spraying device) tends to be appropriate.

[0019] 1.2. β-Caryophyllene The liquid composition of this embodiment contains β-caryophyllene. The β-caryophyllene content is 0.5 to 10.0% by mass, based on the total amount of the liquid composition. The β-caryophyllene content is preferably 0.7 to 7.5% by mass, more preferably 1.0 to 5.0% by mass, and even more preferably 1.5 to 4.5% by mass, based on the total amount of the liquid composition. When the β-caryophyllene content is within the above range, the stress-reducing effect of β-caryophyllene tends to be appropriately exhibited.

[0020] 1.3. Fragrance The liquid composition of this embodiment may contain a fragrance. Note that, in this embodiment, β-caryophyllene is not included in the fragrance. Any fragrance suitable for imparting a desired scent can be used, and commercially available fragrances may be used. More specifically, but not limited to, fruit flavors such as apple flavor and lemon flavor, and mint flavors are examples of fragrances. Examples of such fragrances include, but are not limited to, acetate esters such as isopentyl acetate, ethyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, and geranyl acetate; butyrate esters such as ethyl 2-methylbutyrate and isopentyl butyrate; monoterpenes such as linalool, cis-linalool oxide, and nerol; vanilloids such as vanillin and ethyl vanillin; lactones such as γ-octanolactone; maltols such as maltol and ethyl maltol; methyl dihydrojasmonate; cyclotene; cis-3-hexenol; and (R)-(−)-carvone.

[0021] The content of the fragrance is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.5 to 10.0 mass %, 1.0 to 8.0 mass %, 1.5 to 8.0 mass %, or 2.5 to 7.5 mass % relative to the total amount of the liquid composition.

[0022] 1.4. Water The liquid composition of this embodiment may or may not contain water. When the liquid composition contains water, the content of water is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 5.0 to 50.0 mass %, 10.0 to 45.0 mass %, or 15.0 to 40.0 mass % relative to the total mass of the liquid composition.

[0023] 1.5. Other Additives The liquid composition of the present embodiment may contain other additives in addition to the above components. Examples of other additives include, but are not limited to, sweeteners, natural flavors, artificial flavors, colorants, antioxidants, preservatives, chelating agents, viscosity modifiers, tonicity agents, odorants, opacifiers, suspending agents, binders, thickeners, carriers, and mixtures thereof.

[0024] The liquid composition of the present embodiment may contain nicotine as another additive, but is preferably substantially free of nicotine, and more preferably completely free of nicotine. The term "substantially free of nicotine" is not particularly limited, and refers to, for example, a nicotine content of 0 to 2.0% by mass, 0 to 1.5% by mass, 0 to 1.0% by mass, 0 to 0.5% by mass, or 0 to 0.1% by mass relative to the total amount of the liquid composition.

[0025] The liquid composition of the present embodiment may contain cannabidiol as another additive, but is preferably substantially free of cannabidiol, and more preferably completely free of cannabidiol. "Substantially free of cannabidiol" is not particularly limited, but may refer to, for example, a cannabidiol content of 0 to 2.0% by mass, 0 to 1.5% by mass, 0 to 1.0% by mass, 0 to 0.5% by mass, or 0 to 0.1% by mass, relative to the total amount of the liquid composition.

[0026] The liquid composition of this embodiment may contain 1-menthol as another additive. When 1-menthol is contained, the content of 1-menthol is preferably 1.0 to 15.0% by mass, and more preferably 2.5 to 10.0% by mass, based on the total amount of the liquid composition. When the content of 1-menthol is within the above range, the stimulating sensation (also referred to as "kick") felt when smoking a conventional combustion-type cigarette containing nicotine tends to be improved.

[0027] The present invention further provides: a method for reducing stress, comprising administering the liquid composition of the present invention; a liquid composition of the present invention for use in reducing stress; a β-caryophyllene of the present invention for use in reducing stress; and use of the β-caryophyllene of the present invention for producing a liquid composition of the present invention. Here, the liquid composition of the present invention may be in any of the embodiments described above.

[0028] 2. Method for Producing Liquid Composition The method for producing the liquid composition of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, and may involve, for example, mixing the above-described components. More specifically, the above-described components may be sequentially added to the organic solvent and then mixed, or a fragrance and other additives may be mixed with the organic solvent to form a mixture, and then the mixture may be mixed with β-caryophyllene.

[0029] 3. Method of Using the Liquid Composition The method of using the liquid composition of this embodiment is preferably to heat the liquid composition to vaporize it and then inhale it. More specifically, although not particularly limited, examples include a method of vaporizing the liquid composition by heating it in hot water and then inhaling it, and a method of applying it to an electronic cigarette. Among these, the method of applying it to an electronic cigarette is preferred.

[0030] 3.1 Electronic Cigarette The liquid composition of this embodiment is suitable for use in an electronic cigarette. The liquid composition of this embodiment is preferably filled into a liquid cartridge, and the electronic cigarette preferably includes a liquid cartridge filled with the liquid composition of this embodiment. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of an electronic cigarette.

[0031] The electronic cigarette 200 of this embodiment includes an insertion portion 210 for inserting a liquid cartridge 100 filled with a liquid composition into the electronic cigarette 200. The liquid cartridge 100 also includes a mouthpiece 110 for inhaling vapor generated by heating the liquid composition in the liquid cartridge 100, a support portion 120 for supporting the mouthpiece 110 and the atomizer 130, and the atomizer 130 for heating and vaporizing the liquid composition in the liquid cartridge 100. The electronic cigarette 200 may have the periphery of the insertion portion 210 filled with an appropriate material such as resin, or may have at least a portion hollow.

[0032] The electronic cigarette 200 includes a battery for supplying power to the atomizer 130. While not particularly limited, for example, power is supplied from the battery to the atomizer 130 through a contact between the insertion portion 210 and the atomizer 130. The atomizer 130 generates heat using the supplied power, heats and vaporizes the liquid composition drawn up in the liquid cartridge 100, and delivers the vapor to the mouthpiece 110. The vaporized liquid composition can then be inhaled through the mouthpiece 110. While not particularly limited, the temperature of the atomizer 130 when heating the liquid composition is, for example, 80 to 110°C.

[0033] The present invention will be described in more detail below using examples and comparative examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples. Unless otherwise specified, the experiments were carried out at room temperature (25°C) and 1 atmosphere.

[0034] 1. Preparation of Liquid Composition 53 parts by mass of glycerol, 39 parts by mass of propylene glycol, and 5 parts by mass of apple flavor were mixed to prepare Mixed Solution 1. Then, 97 parts by mass of Mixed Solution 1 was mixed with 3 parts by mass of β-caryophyllene to prepare Liquid Composition 1.

[0035] Liquid compositions 2 to 10 were obtained by mixing the components in the amounts shown in Table 1 below. The values ​​shown in Table 1 indicate the contents, expressed in units of mass % relative to the total amount of each liquid composition. Table 2 shows the types of flavors perceived when inhaling liquid compositions 2 to 10.

[0036]

[0037] The CAS numbers of the compounds contained in Liquid Compositions 2 to 10 are as follows: l-menthol: 2216-51-5, vanillin: 121-33-5, ethyl vanillin: 121-32-4, linalool: 78-70-6, nerol: 106-25-2, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate: 7452-79-1, methyl dihydrojasmonate (cis-, trans-mixture): 24851-98-7, maltol: 118-71-8, ethyl maltol: 4940-11-8, cyclotene: 80-71-7, γ-octanolactone: 104-50-7, ethyl acetate: 141-78-6, isopentyl butyrate: 106-27-4, isopentyl acetate: 123-92-2, cis-linalool oxide: 5989-33-3 cis-3-Hexenyl acetate: 3681-71-8 Geranyl acetate: 105-87-3 cis-3-Hexenol: 928-96-1 (R)-(-)-Carvone: 6485-40-1 β-Caryophyllene: 87-44-5 Glycerol: 56-81-5 Propylene glycol: 57-55-6

[0038]

[0039] 2. Evaluation Three female or male subjects A to C, aged 20 to 49, evaluated the sensations before and after inhaling Liquid Composition 1 prepared as described above. Liquid Composition 1 was inhaled specifically as follows. First, Liquid Composition 1 was filled into a liquid cartridge. Then, the liquid cartridge was attached to a Rockville DR. VAPE electronic cigarette, and Liquid Composition 1 was vaporized and inhaled. Each subject inhaled at least four units per day, with five consecutive inhalations counted as one unit. Each inhalation lasted 1 to 5 seconds, with the interval between inhalations within one unit being 15 seconds or less. The interval between inhalations was at least two hours.

[0040] In Table 3, for questions 1 to 4, subjects answered from five options: very often, often, sometimes, rarely, and never. For questions 5 to 7, subjects answered from five options: much improved, slightly improved, slightly improved, not much changed, and no change. For question 8, subjects answered from five options: I was able to quit smoking completely, I was satisfied without smoking, I reduced the number or frequency of cigarettes I smoked, I would like to try to reduce or quit smoking if I continue, and no change. For question 9, subjects were free to respond.

[0041] 3. Evaluation Results The evaluation results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0042]

[0043] As shown in Table 3, inhaling the vapor of the liquid composition of this embodiment using an electronic cigarette can relieve stress, irritation, and psychological anxiety, and can also improve the quality of sleep. It was also found that inhaling the vapor of the liquid composition brings about various positive effects, such as a feeling of refreshment and a clear head.

[0044] Next, 93 female or male subjects aged 20 to 59 years old evaluated the sensations before and after inhaling Liquid Compositions 2 to 10 prepared as described above. Liquid Compositions 2 to 10 were inhaled in the same manner as Liquid Composition 1. The results of the subjective evaluations are shown in Tables 4 to 11. The upper number in each table cell indicates the number of subjects, and the lower number indicates the percentage of the number of subjects relative to the total number of subjects for each item.

[0045]

[0046]

[0047]

[0048]

[0049]

[0050]

[0051]

[0052] Industrial Applicability

[0053] The liquid composition of the present invention has an excellent stress-reducing effect and is therefore industrially applicable as a liquid composition used to reduce stress.

[0054] 100...liquid cartridge, 110...mouthpiece, 120...support part, 130...atomizer, 200...electronic cigarette, 210...insertion part

Claims

1. A liquid composition comprising an organic solvent and β-caryophyllene, wherein the content of the β-caryophyllene is 0.5 to 10.0 mass % based on the total amount of the liquid composition.

2. The liquid composition according to claim 1, further comprising a fragrance, the content of said fragrance being 0.5 to 10.0% by mass based on the total amount of said liquid composition.

3. The liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of the β-caryophyllene is 1.0 to 5.0 mass% based on the total amount of the liquid composition.

4. The organic solvent contains glycerol and propylene glycol, and the glycerol content W ｇ is 40.0 to 70.0 mass% based on the total amount of the liquid composition, and the content W of the propylene glycol ｐ is 25.0 to 55.0 mass% with respect to the total amount of the liquid composition, and the content W of the propylene glycol ｐ The glycerol W ｇ The ratio of the content of (W ｇ / W ｐ 2. The liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the liquid composition is 0.7 to 3.

0.

5. The liquid composition according to claim 1, having a boiling point of 90 to 210°C.

6. The liquid composition according to claim 1, which is substantially free of nicotine.

7. The liquid composition of claim 1, which is substantially free of cannabidiol.

8. The liquid composition according to claim 1, which is for use in an electronic cigarette.

9. A liquid cartridge filled with the liquid composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An electronic cigarette comprising the liquid cartridge according to claim 9.

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