Mucoadhesive Plant Extract Composition for Cough Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cough treatments are limited by their specificity of action and side effects, and are inadequate for pediatric use, as they often rely on chemical mechanisms that do not effectively address the mechanical and physiological aspects of cough, particularly in cases of respiratory tract infections.
Innovation Solution
A natural composition comprising Plantago lanceolata extract, honey, Thymus sp. extract, and optionally Sambucus nigra juice, which acts synergistically to form a protective layer, hydrate mucus, and reduce inflammation, thereby mitigating cough symptoms without nullifying the physiological role of mucus and mucous membranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical and pharmacological mechanisms are used to suppress cough, then cough suppression is achieved, but side effects and contraindications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical and pharmacological mechanisms with a mechanical-physical approach. The composition forms a mucoadhesive protective film on the mucous membranes that acts mechanically to soothe irritation and reduce cough reflex, rather than using chemical drugs to suppress the cough center or alter mucus properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces honey and plant extracts as intermediary substances that form a protective barrier between the irritants and the mucous membranes. This intermediary layer mechanically protects the membranes and reduces irritation without requiring chemical drug action
2Stability of the object's composition
If mucolytics are used to increase mucus fluidity, then mucus becomes more fluid, but they only act in moist cough and are contraindicated under age 2
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal composition that can be used for both dry and productive coughs across all age groups including infants under 2 years. The mechanical-physical approach of forming a protective film and hydrating mucus works regardless of cough type or age, eliminating the contraindications associated with chemical mucolytics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from chemical modification of mucus to physical hydration and mechanical protection. By using honey and plant extracts that physically hydrate and protect rather than chemically breaking down mucus, the treatment becomes safe and effective for all age groups including infants
3Reliability
If sedatives are used to inhibit the cough centre, then cough symptom is eliminated, but physiological action is hindered and use is limited to dry cough only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces central nervous system chemical suppression with a local mechanical-physical action on the mucous membranes. The composition acts locally to soothe irritation and reduce cough reflex without affecting the central cough center, thereby preserving physiological cough function while reducing symptomatic cough
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 composition effectively reduces cough susceptibility by forming a mucoadhesive protective film, increasing mucus fluidity, and reducing irritation, making it suitable for treating dry, productive, and upper respiratory tract infection-associated coughs, including in pediatric patients.
Implementation Method 1
forming a protective layer which, on the one hand prevents further contact with external irritating agents
Implementation Method 2
making it more fluid and therefore more easily removable by physiological clearance mechanisms, by hydration thereof due to water-attracting hydrophilic substances
Implementation Method 3
thanks to the intervention of anti-oxidizing substances, mitigates the noxious effect of the free radicals produced by infections
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a new composition for use in the treatment of cough comprising, as sole active principles, Plantago lanceolata extract, honey, cane sugar, Thymus sp. extract and optionally Sambucus nigra juice.