Concentrated Prune Formulation with Prebiotics for Laxative Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laxative formulations are either ineffective, unpleasant to consume, or have side effects, failing to provide a safe, reliable, and pleasant-tasting solution for regular bowel movements, especially for long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A formulation combining concentrated prunes or plums with prebiotics, optionally including calcium sennosides and PEG-3350, in various forms such as drinks, gummies, or chocolates, designed to be convenient, palatable, and effective for promoting regular bowel movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulk-forming agents like psyllium seed husks are used to treat constipation, then stool bulk is increased by retaining water, but the agent requires consumption with plenty of water and may need to be taken up to 3 doses per day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms prune concentrate into various dosage forms (capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, beverages) with different physical and chemical parameters to improve convenience while maintaining effectiveness. The concentrated form allows for controlled dosing without requiring large volumes of water or multiple daily doses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines prune concentrate with prebiotics (inulin, FOS, GOS) and other ingredients to create composite formulations that enhance both effectiveness and convenience. This composite approach allows the product to work more efficiently, potentially reducing the frequency of dosing while improving palatability and ease of consumption.
2Speed
If chemical stimulant laxatives like anthraquinone derivatives are used for next-day relief, then bowel movement is induced quickly, but serious side effects occur with chronic use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of prune concentrate through concentration and formulation processes to enhance the natural laxative compounds' effectiveness while removing or reducing harmful substances. The controlled concentration allows for faster action without the severe side effects of synthetic stimulant laxatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the natural compounds in prunes, which have mild laxative effects, into a concentrated form that provides stronger, faster relief comparable to stimulant laxatives but without their harmful side effects. The formulation process transforms a gentle natural remedy into a more potent therapeutic agent.
3Reliability
If prunes are consumed in large amounts to achieve laxative effect, then bowel movement is promoted, but the agent is tiresome to consume in large amounts of water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies concentration to transform prune juice into a high-solids formulation, dramatically reducing the volume required to achieve therapeutic effects. The concentrated product delivers the necessary laxative compounds in a small, convenient dose without requiring consumption of large quantities of liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the concentrated prune product into discrete dosage units (capsules, tablets, single-serving packets) that can be easily consumed without requiring large volumes of water. This segmentation makes it simple to control the dose and eliminates the burden of drinking large amounts of liquid.
4Ease of operation
If fiber supplements are formulated as chewable tablets, then portability is improved, but the amount of active fiber ingredient is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses concentration to increase the density of active ingredients in the chewable tablet formulation. By concentrating the prune extract and combining it with prebiotics, the patent achieves a high content of active laxative compounds in a small, portable tablet form, overcoming the limitation of conventional fiber supplements.
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 formulation provides a safe, effective, and pleasant-tasting solution for constipation relief, ensuring regular bowel movements and colon health, with improved compliance due to its portable and versatile forms.
Implementation Method 1
prebiotics, which are non-digestible, naturally occurring oligosaccharides, which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon for greater efficacy as a laxative
Implementation Method 2
prunes contain the sugar alcohol sorbitol, a non-stimulant laxative... Sorbitol, ahyperosmotic agent, causes the intestines to flood with water, softening the stools and promoting bowl movement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a formulation comprising a prune and/or plum concentrate, and one or more water-soluble, non-digestible, prebiotic oligosaccharides. Optionally, one or more low calorie sweeteners, an antioxidant, calcium sennosides, or sennosides extract, PEG-3350, licorice, cocoa, coffee, tea flavors; fruit flavorings and spice flavorings, gelatin, agar-agar, carrageenan, pectin or cocoa powder are added. Other ingredients may be present as dietary supplements such as water-soluble vitamins, lipid-soluble vitamins; amino acids, maltodextrin, resveratrol, caffeine, mineral supplements, or natural sleep aids for use as a laxative, A variety of formulations are possible, such as premix, a laxative+energy power drink or power bar, or as a prebiotic supplement in probiotic yogurts, or in the form of gummies, chocolates, candies, and desserts such as red beans Japanese desserts. These present formulations are improved for taste, fast acting, portable and palatable laxatives, and as dietary supplements.