Ginger Artichoke Extract Composition for Reflux and IBS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for gastro-oesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome often come with serious side effects or are not well-tolerated, and existing medications for gastric voiding modifications have carcinogenic actions or CNS-related side effects, while artichoke extracts can worsen digestive issues in IBS patients by slowing gastric voiding.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a lipophilic extract of Zingiber officinale, prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, and Cynara scolymus extract, which accelerates gastric emptying, reduces flatulence, and improves digestive function, formulated in vegetable oils to enhance absorption and stability, effectively addressing both conditions and reducing postprandial drowsiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional medications (proton pump inhibitors, domperidone) are used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux and modify gastric voiding, then reflux symptoms are reduced, but serious side effects occur including carcinogenic actions and CNS-related effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the beneficial prokinetic and digestive properties of natural substances (ginger and artichoke) while eliminating the harmful carcinogenic and CNS-related side effects associated with conventional synthetic medications like proton pump inhibitors and domperidone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs natural, readily available plant extracts (ginger and artichoke) that can be administered chronically without accumulating harmful effects, replacing expensive long-term pharmaceutical treatments with safer natural alternatives
2Ease of operation
If artichoke extracts are used to treat digestive issues, then digestive function is improved, but gastric emptying is slowed which worsens IBS symptoms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines artichoke extract (which improves digestive function) with ginger extract (which accelerates gastric emptying), creating a synergistic formulation where the prokinetic effect of ginger compensates for the gastric slowing effect of artichoke while maintaining the digestive benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional properties to different components of the formulation: artichoke provides digestive support and bile regulation, while ginger provides prokinetic action and gastric emptying acceleration, allowing each component to address specific aspects of digestive function without compromising overall performance
3Ease of operation
If traditional gingerol extracts are used, then anti-dyspeptic activity is provided, but stability issues and poor absorption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite formulation combining ginger extract with specific lipids and phospholipids that enhance the stability and bioavailability of gingerols, protecting them from degradation and improving their absorption while maintaining anti-dyspeptic activity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the ginger extract formulation by incorporating specific lipids and phospholipids, changing the solubility, stability, and absorption characteristics of gingerols to overcome the limitations of traditional extracts
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The combination significantly reduces gastro-oesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, improving quality of life by accelerating gastric emptying and digestive function, and potentially preventing oesophageal tumours, with a stable and effective formulation that avoids the limitations of traditional gingerol extracts and artichoke's choleretic effects.
Implementation Method 1
a lipophilic extract of Zingiber officinale, prepared by extraction with carbon dioxide under supercritical conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to compositions consisting of a combination of a lipophilic extract of Zingiber officinale and an extract of Cynara scolymus, which are useful for the prevention and treatment of oesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome, to reduce postprandial drowsiness, and having prokinetic and anti-dyspeptic activities.