Supercritical CO2 Extracts of Ginger and Echinacea for Reflux
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for gastro-oesophageal reflux and chemotherapy-induced emesis often have serious side effects or carcinogenic actions, and existing prokinetic drugs, especially those used long-term, lead to digestive problems, necessitating the development of well-tolerated natural alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A combination of lipophilic extracts of Zingiber officinale and Echinacea angustifolia, prepared by carbon dioxide extraction under supercritical conditions, which exhibits prokinetic and anti-emetic activity without affecting digestive function, thereby addressing oesophageal reflux and chemotherapy-induced emesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional prokinetic drugs are used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux, then gastric emptying is improved, but serious side effects and carcinogenic actions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the treatment by using lipophilic extracts of Zingiber officinale and Echinacea angustifolia instead of conventional synthetic prokinetic drugs. This parameter change maintains prokinetic activity while eliminating the harmful side effects and carcinogenic actions associated with conventional drugs like metoclopramide and domperidone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite formulation combining two natural extracts: lipophilic extract of Zingiber officinale (ginger) and lipophilic extract of Echinacea angustifolia. This composite approach synergistically provides prokinetic effects while avoiding the harmful properties of individual conventional drugs through the natural composition of the plant extracts.
2Reliability
If proton pump inhibitors are used long-term to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux, then acid control is improved, but major digestive problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using proton pump inhibitors that suppress acid production (current approach), the patent employs natural prokinetics that promote gastric emptying and motility (alternative approach). This inversion of the therapeutic mechanism avoids the digestive problems associated with long-term acid suppression while still effectively managing reflux through enhanced gastrointestinal motility.
3Reliability
If natural prokinetics are developed for chronic use, then tolerance and safety are improved, but extraction and standardization become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction technology to obtain lipophilic extracts from Zingiber officinale and Echinacea angustifolia. This extraction process concentrates the active prokinetic components while removing unwanted plant material, thereby achieving standardization and facilitating manufacturing while maintaining the safety and tolerability of natural ingredients.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses lipophilic extraction to change the physical-chemical parameters of the active compounds, making them more stable and bioavailable. This parameter change through lipophilic extraction simplifies standardization and manufacturing processes while preserving the safety and tolerability advantages of natural prokinetics for chronic use.
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 combination increases gastric emptying, providing a potent and unexpected effect in treating oesophageal reflux and chemotherapy-induced emesis without the side effects associated with traditional treatments, by stabilizing active components and enhancing their efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
both prepared by extraction with carbon dioxide under supercritical conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to compositions consisting of a combination of lipophilic extracts of Zingiber officinale and Echinacea angustifolia, obtained by extraction with carbon dioxide under supercritical conditions, which are useful for the prevention and treatment of oesophageal reflux and chemotherapy-induced emesis.