Nasal Plant Extract Compositions for Cold Symptom Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for the common cold are ineffective in interrupting the viral infection process early on, leading to prolonged symptoms and significant economic losses, with no universally accepted medical intervention available to reduce the duration of the illness effectively.
Innovation Solution
Nasal compositions containing extracts of Luffa Operculata, Schoenocaulon officinale, and Galphimia Glauca, combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, are administered to interrupt the viral replication and spread of rhinovirus, thereby reducing the severity and duration of common cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, dry/scratchy throat, and sneezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If over-the-counter medications are used to reduce inflammation, then specific mediators of inflammation are reduced, but the viral infection process is not interrupted and symptoms persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by administering plant extracts (Luffa operculata, Schoenocaulon officinale, and Galphimia glauca) early in the infection process, within the first 8-24 hours, to interrupt viral replication before symptoms fully manifest. This early intervention prevents the viral infection from progressing to full-blown cold symptoms, thereby reducing both the duration of illness and the need for subsequent anti-inflammatory medications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses plant extracts as intermediary substances that mediate between the viral infection and the host immune system. These extracts contain bioactive compounds that interfere with viral replication mechanisms while modulating the host's immune response, creating a protective effect that reduces symptom duration without requiring traditional anti-inflammatory medications.
2Loss of time
If early intervention is implemented to interrupt viral replication, then symptom duration is reduced, but no universally accepted medical intervention currently exists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by formulating plant extracts in specific concentration ranges (0.001-0.5 wt% for Luffa operculata, 0.001-0.1 wt% for Schoenocaulon officinale, and 0.001-0.5 wt% for Galphimia glauca) and administering them through nasal spray delivery. These optimized parameters enhance the antiviral efficacy and reliability of the intervention, providing a proven medical solution that reduces cold duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple plant extracts (Luffa operculata, Schoenocaulon officinale, and Galphimia glauca) in a single nasal spray formulation. This composite approach synergistically enhances the antiviral activity and reduces the duration of common cold symptoms more effectively than single-plant interventions, establishing a reliable medical intervention.
3Ease of operation
If conventional treatments are used, then specific symptoms are managed, but economic losses from absenteeism and doctor visits continue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing early intervention with plant extracts within the first 8-24 hours of infection, preventing the full development of cold symptoms. This reduces the likelihood of absenteeism from work and school, doctor visits, and other economic losses associated with conventional cold management, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of symptom management.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes pharmaceutical compositions and methods for reducing duration, intensity, and/or bothersomeness of common colds in humans and for reducing severity or duration of common cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, dry/scratchy throat and sneezing in humans exhibiting such symptoms. The compositions herein comprise extracts of at least one of Luffa Operculata (L. operculata), S. officinale (V. sabadilla), and Galphimia Glauca (G. glauca) in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and in various embodiments, comprise a mixture of all three Luffa Operculata (L. operculata) 10% extract MT, S. officinale (V. sabadilla) 3× extract, and Galphimia Glauca (G. glauca) 10% extract MT in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.