Ginger Extract–Lithium Compositions for Improved Solubility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bioavailability of ginger extracts in nutraceuticals and enriched-food products is limited due to poor solubility and bioaccessibility, which hinders their health improvement potential.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising an extract of ginger and a source of lithium, such as metallic lithium, lithium hydroxide, or lithium hydride, is used to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of ginger compounds, forming a water-soluble form of ginger extract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ginger extract is used in nutraceuticals or enriched-food products, then health improvement potential is achieved, but poor bioavailability limits its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of ginger extract by combining it with lithium compounds (such as lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, or lithium aspartate). This chemical modification transforms the extract into a water-soluble form, fundamentally altering its bioavailability characteristics and enabling effective delivery in nutraceutical and food applications.
2Reliability
If ginger extract compounds are made more soluble and bioaccessible, then health benefits are enhanced, but the complexity of the composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material by combining ginger extract with lithium compounds. This composite approach integrates two distinct substances (ginger bioactives and lithium salts) into a single formulation that leverages the water-solubility of lithium compounds to enhance the bioavailability of ginger compounds, thereby improving health benefits while maintaining a relatively simple composition structure.
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 method produces a water-soluble ginger extract with improved bioaccessibility and bioavailability, allowing for higher concentrations of active compounds to be tolerated without side effects, enhancing health benefits and athletic performance.
Implementation Method 1
mixing a source of lithium with the extract of ginger, thereby producing a water-soluble form of ginger extract
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for human ingestion that provides improved bioaccesibility, solubility, and/or bioavailability of the extract of ginger is disclosed. The composition comprises an extract of ginger and a source of lithium. A method of improving bioaccesibility, solubility, and/or bioavailability of an extract of ginger is further disclosed, and the method comprises: providing the extract of ginger; and mixing a source of lithium with the ginger extract, thereby producing a water-soluble form of ginger extract. Also disclosed is a method of treating a gingerol-improvable condition that comprises administering to a subject 0.01-30,000 ml of a composition comprising an extract of ginger and a source of lithium. Further disclosed is a method of improving athletic performance in a subject that comprises administering to the subject 0.01-30,000 ml of a composition comprising an extract of ginger and a source of lithium prior to the subject exercising.