Iron-Chelated Green Tea Extract for Gastrointestinal Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treatments for gastrointestinal disorders, such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome, often cause adverse side effects and are not suitable for long-term use, while pharmaceuticals may not effectively address the underlying issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of an aqueous extract of green tea material infused in hot water, followed by filtration and complexation with iron compounds like ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferric chloride, to form a chelate or complex, which is then dried into a fine granular or powdered form for consumption or further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pharmaceuticals are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but adverse side effects occur and long-term use is not suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of iron from inorganic salts to an organic chelate complex with green tea polyphenols. This parameter change in the chemical structure of the iron compound transforms it from a form that causes adverse effects to one that provides therapeutic benefits without the harmful side effects associated with conventional iron supplements and pharmaceuticals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining green tea extract (containing polyphenols) with iron compounds to form a chelate complex. This composite structure integrates the beneficial properties of both natural compounds, achieving therapeutic effects while avoiding the adverse effects of conventional single-component pharmaceuticals and iron supplements.
2Quantity of substance
If iron supplements are taken to address iron deficiency, then iron status improves, but gastrointestinal side effects and oxidative stress occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses green tea polyphenols as intermediary molecules that mediate between the iron compound and the body's physiological systems. These polyphenols act as chelating agents that bind to iron, forming a complex that delivers iron in a controlled manner while preventing direct contact between iron and gastrointestinal tissues, thereby reducing side effects and oxidative stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state of iron from free metal or simple salt form to a chelated complex form. This parameter change in iron's chemical environment alters its biological behavior, enabling improved iron status while reducing harmful effects such as gastrointestinal irritation and oxidative stress that occur with conventional iron supplements.
3Reliability
If green tea extract is used alone for health benefits, then antioxidant effects are achieved, but it does not provide the enhanced therapeutic effects seen with iron complexation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges green tea extract with iron compounds to create a synergistic chelate complex. This combination integrates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of green tea polyphenols with the iron supplementation benefits, achieving enhanced therapeutic effectiveness that is greater than the sum of the individual components when taken separately.
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 iron-complexed green tea extract significantly ameliorates gastrointestinal symptoms by altering colonic bacterial metabolism, reducing inflammation and harmful metabolite production, and offers systemic benefits for extraintestinal conditions like arthritis and mental health issues, with a safer and more effective alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals.
Implementation Method 1
an iron-containing compound solution is introduced to the extract, initiating the formation of a complex or chelate and/or complex between the bioactive compounds and iron
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a gastrointestinal condition includes preparing an aqueous extract of bioactive compound by adding dried green tea material to hot water and filtering the aqueous extract; adding a solution of an iron-containing compound to the filtered aqueous extract to form a complex or chelate of the bioactive compounds with iron; and drying the solution at a temperature between 80 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit to obtain a fine granular or powdered state.