Sideritis Extracts for Cognitive Performance via Optimized Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of documented information on specific Sideritis species and their preparations that effectively influence the human central nervous system, particularly in terms of cognitive performance, and existing methods for evaluating EEG patterns are not well-suited for quantifying cognitive abilities or identifying potential cognitive impairments like Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia.

Innovation Solution

The use of selected Sideritis species, such as Sideritis euboa, Sideritis scardica, and Sideritis raiseri, to produce aqueous or hydroalcoholic extracts that can be used in foodstuffs, nutritional supplements, or pharmaceutical preparations to enhance cognitive performance, specifically through the influence of serotonergic neurotransmission and extraction methods that optimize active ingredient yield and stability, such as using polar extractants like ethanol and gentle drying techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional extraction methods are used for Sideritis species, then the extraction process is simple, but the yield and stability of active ingredients are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive ingredient yieldVSAvoidextraction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing extraction conditions including using polar extractants (ethanol, methanol, acetone), controlling extraction temperature (40-80°C), adjusting extraction time (2-24 hours), and modifying solvent-to-material ratios to maximize active ingredient yield while maintaining process feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite extraction approaches by combining multiple extractants (e.g., ethanol-water mixtures), using sequential extraction with different solvents, and integrating extraction with filtration and concentration steps to achieve superior active ingredient recovery compared to single-method extraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If high temperatures are used for drying extracts, then the drying speed increases, but the stability of active ingredients deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying speedVSAvoidactive ingredient stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing drying temperature (40-80°C), controlling humidity levels (30-70% RH), adjusting air flow rates, and extending drying time (6-48 hours) to achieve optimal balance between drying efficiency and active ingredient stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing preliminary drying at lower temperatures before final drying, using pre-drying to remove surface moisture, and progressively increasing temperature to prevent thermal degradation of sensitive active ingredients

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If traditional EEG evaluation methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the precision of cognitive assessment is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecognitive assessment precisionVSAvoidevaluation method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using EEG patterns as feedback signals to assess cognitive state changes, comparing pre and post-administration EEG data, and using the measured changes to evaluate the effectiveness of Sideritis species on cognitive performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces subjective cognitive assessment with objective EEG-based measurement, substituting mechanical/behavioral testing methods with electroencephalography to obtain more precise and quantifiable data on cognitive function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 extracts demonstrate improved learning and memory performance in animal models and human subjects, particularly under stress conditions, with measurable effects on EEG patterns indicating enhanced cognitive function and potential therapeutic benefits for cognitive impairments.

Implementation Method 1

extraction methods that optimize active ingredient yield and stability, such as using polar extractants like ethanol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

gentle drying techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11596664B2Plant extracts made of <i>Sideritis </i>and use thereof to boost cognitive performance

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 FINZELBERG

AI summary

The invention relates to aboveground plant parts of Sideritis ssp. or extracts produced therefrom for use to boost cognitive performance.