Herbal Extract Formulation Stability and Taste Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing formulations comprising herbal agents face challenges in maintaining physical stability and patient compliance due to characteristics such as bad taste, scent, color, and susceptibility to oxidation, which affect the physical properties and stability of the product.
Innovation Solution
A formulation combining Hedera helix, Pelargonium sidoides, and Echinacea purpurea extracts, with Echinacea purpurea added in amounts below 80% (w/v) and a specific weight ratio of 1:0.1 to 1:35, along with suitable excipients like Propolis, Zingiber officinale, and Ginseng root, to enhance physical stability and patient compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If herbal extracts are combined in formulations, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but physical stability deteriorates due to oxidation and precipitate formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Echinacea purpurea extract as an intermediary substance that mediates between the other herbal extracts and the formulation matrix. This extract acts as a protective agent that prevents oxidation and precipitate formation, thereby maintaining physical stability while allowing the therapeutic combination to remain effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise concentration parameters for Echinacea purpurea extract (0.1% to 80% w/v) and other herbal extracts (0.05% to 30% w/v each) to optimize both therapeutic efficacy and physical stability. By controlling these compositional parameters, the formulation achieves a balance between effectiveness and stability.
2Reliability
If herbal extracts are used in formulations, then therapeutic benefits are achieved, but patient compliance worsens due to bad taste, scent, and color
Solution Approach 1:
Echinacea purpurea extract serves as a sensory intermediary that masks the unpleasant taste, scent, and color of other herbal extracts. This mediator substance improves the organoleptic properties of the formulation, making it more acceptable to patients while preserving the therapeutic benefits of the active herbal components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If Echinacea purpurea extract is added to enhance stability, then physical stability improves, but precipitate formation occurs when added in amounts above 80% (w/v)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a critical concentration threshold for Echinacea purpurea extract at 80% w/v. By controlling this parameter within the specified range (0.1% to 80% w/v), the formulation maintains physical stability without exceeding the solubility limits that would lead to precipitate formation. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between stability enhancement and harmful precipitate generation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a formulation comprising extracts of Hedera helix, Pelargonium sidoides and Echinacea purpurea for use in the treatment, prevention of, or the alleviation and/or elimination of the symptoms of various respiratory tract diseases, as well as to a method for preparing this formulation.