WO2001022822A1

WO2001022822A1 - Method for improving immunity in plants and animals

Info

Publication number: WO2001022822A1
Application number: PCT/CA1999/000878
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steve Wood
Original assignee: Steve Wood
Priority date: 1999-09-24
Filing date: 1999-09-24
Publication date: 2001-04-05
Also published as: CA2388484A1; AU5843499A; EP1217893A1

Abstract

An aqueous solution for treating plants or animals comprising: i) a mixture of mineral-based nutrients; ii) a mixture of B vitamins; iii) acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof; and iv) at least one plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-like compound. Suitable hormones are cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, α-naphthalenic acid. α-naphthalene acetic acid and mixtures thereof, especially cytokinin derived from ascophyllum nodosum. The mineral-based nutrients may be nitrates, phosphates, citrates and sulphates of alkali metals, ammonia, alkaline earth metals and magnesium. The B vitamins may be vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B12 and B complex. The solutions have neutral pH and may be applied to plants through the roots or leaves. They may be administered to animals, e.g. humans, in drink form, intravenously or by injection.

Description

METHOD FOR IMPROVING IMMUNITY IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for improving the immunity of plants and animals . Background to the Invention

Various methods are known for improving the vigour of seedlings. For example, it is known to pre-soak seeds in a solution of colchicine . It is thought that such treatment increases the number of chromosome sets in cells of the seeds, thus inducing a change known as polyploidy. It is also known to improve the growth of seedlings with growth hormones, e.g. cytokinin. Furthermore, it is known to trigger a plants' defences against disease by adding salicylic acid, as reported in Science Volume 237, p.1601, Science Volume 250, p.1002 and 1004. Notwithstanding these techniques, however, it is believed that no-one has successfully developed a method for improving the immunity of plants from one generation to another.

Much research has been conducted into combatting disease in plants and animals and into improving immunity to disease in plants and animals . Research by the present inventor indicates that certain methods originally intended to improve immunity to disease in plants has applicability to improving immunity to disease in animals, including humans.

It has been noted that the health of individuals is enhanced by taking supplements, e.g. vitamins and minerals. It is also known that hormone therapy is useful in dealing with some diseases. However, there has been limited successes in combatting AIDS, hepatitis, cancer or the like. The present invention is also directed towards assisting the body to fight off disease .

The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for improving immunity in plants and animals.

Summary of the Invention

One aspect of the present invention provides a composition for treating plants or animals comprising an aqueous solution of i) a mixture of mineral-based nutrients, ii) a mixture of B vitamins, iii) acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof, and iv) at least one plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-like compound.

In one embodiment, the plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-like compound is selected from the group consisting of cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, naphthalenic acid, naphthalene acetic acid, indole 3 butyric acid, indole 3 acetic acid and salts thereof, and mixtures thereof .

In another embodiment , the plant growth hormone is a cytokinin, preferably a cytokinin derived from ascophyllum nodosum.

In a further embodiment, the plant growth hormone is present in the form of kelp.

In another embodiment , the plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-like compound is selected from the group consisting of naphthalene acetic acid, indole 3 butyric acid, water soluble salts thereof, and mixtures thereof .

In yet another embodiment, the mineral-based nutrients are selected from the group consisting of nitrates, nitric acid, phosphates, citrates, and sulphates, and mixtures thereof.

In a further embodiment the mineral-based nutrients are selected from the group consisting of nitrates, phosphates, citrates and sulphates of alkali metals, ammonia, alkaline earth metals and magnesium, and mixtures thereof .

In another embodiment, the mineral-based nutrients are selected from the group consisting of calcium nitrate, potassium sulphate, potassium nitrate, monopotassium phosphate, magnesium sulphate and ammonium nitrate, and mixtures thereof.

In a further embodiment, the mineral-based nutrients are supplemented with at least one supplementary ingredient selected from the group consisting of minerals, vitamins and plant extracts.

In another embodiment, the minerals are selected from the group consisting of minerals of zinc, manganese, iron, chromium, cobalt, copper, vanadium, molybdenum, selenium, fluorine, chlorine and iodine, and mixtures thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the plant extract is selected from the group consisting of yucca extract, wheat grass juice, barley juice, gingko biloba, pine bark extract and milk thistle, and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the vitamins are selected from the group consisting of vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K and β-carotene, and mixtures thereof .

In yet another embodiment, the B vitamins are selected from the group consisting of vitamin Bl

(thiamin) , vitamin B2 (riboflavin) , vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) , vitamin B3 (niacin and/or niacinamide) , vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) , vitamin B12 (cobalamin and/or cyanocobalamin) , B complex and mixtures thereof . In further embodiments, the composition may contain spirulina, chlorella, alfalfa, vegetable enzymes, dom quai, grape seed extract, ginseng, hemp oil, safflower oil carrot powder, flax seed, bilberry, lecithin, celanine, silymarin, royal jelly, co-enzyme Q10, pectin, bran, cinnamon and vegetable enzymes, and mixtures thereof.

In another embodiment, the mixture of mineral-based nutrients is in a concentration of less than 1000 g per 100 litres, especially less than 500 g per 100 litres of solution, the mixture of B vitamins is in a concentration of less than 1200 mg per 100 litres of solution, the acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof is in a concentration of less than 1 g of solution, and the plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-like compound is in a concentration of less than 50 g, especially less than 5 g per 100 litres of solution.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for treating plants comprising feeding the plants or seedlings thereof with an aqueous solution of i) a mixture of mineral-based nutrients, ii) a mixture of B vitamins, iii) acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof, and iv) at least one plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-1ike compound.

In one embodiment, the mineral-based nutrients are selected for root development. In another embodiment, the mineral-based nutrients are selected for growth. In yet another embodiment, the mineral-based nutrients are selected for flower development.

In a further embodiment, the mineral-based nutrients are selected for seed or fruit development. In a further embodiment, the solution of the present invention has the components in low concentrations in water. Preferably, the total concentration of ingredients is less than about

In another embodiment, the plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-like compound is selected from the group consisting of naphthalene acetic acid, indole 3 butyric acid, water soluble salts thereof, and mixtures thereof .

In another embodiment, the pH of the solution is from 5.5 to 8.0, especially from 6.5 to 7.5.

In yet another embodiment, the plant is fed a solution comprising up to about 500 grams of each nutrient compound, up to about 1000 milligrams of each B vitamin, up to about 10 grams of the plant growth hormone or plant growth hormone-like compound, and up to about 2000 milligrams of acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof per 200 litres of solution.

The present invention also provides a method of treating plants comprising feeding the plants with a composition of the present invention by at least one of the procedures selected from the group consisting of root feeding and spraying leaves of the plants .

In one aspect of the invention, the plant is selected from the group consisting of leaf vegetables, fruiting vegetables, flowering plants, and seeding plants . In one embodiment, the plant is selected from cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, corn, grass, flax and hemp.

In another embodiment, the composition is fed to the plants hydroponically.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for improving the immunity in plants, comprising the steps of:

(a) feeding seedlings of a plant with a solution which comprises nutrients, a mixture of B-vitamins and acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof, and at least one plant-growth inducing compound selected from the group consisting of plant growth hormones and plant growth hormone-like compounds; (b) introducing a disease-inducing pest to the seedlings at any time from after sprouting of the seedlings to before flowering of the plants .

In one embodiment, a first portion of acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof is added to the solution during a first time period of application of the solution, and a second portion of acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof is added to the solution during a second time period of application of the solution, the second time period being separated from the first time period by a third time period, all of the acetyl salicylic acid or salt thereof being administered before the plants flower.

In another embodiment, the seedlings are from seeds which have been pre-soaked in colchicine solution. In a particular aspect of the invention, the method comprises : (a) soaking seeds of a plant in a 0.05 to 0.15 wt./wt.% solution of colchicine in water and allowing the seeds to sprout into seedlings;

(b) feeding the seedlings with a first solution over a first time period, the first solution comprising nutrients, at least one plant-growth inducing compound selected from the group consisting of plant growth hormones and plant growth hormone-like compounds, and a mixture of B vitamins; (c) adding a first portion of acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof to the first solution during a second time period and a second portion of acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof to the first solution during a third time period, the second time period being separated from the third time period by a fourth time period, and the second, third and fourth time periods being within the first time period, all of the acetyl salicylic acid or salt thereof being administered before the seedlings have developed into plants and flowered; (d) introducing a disease-inducing pest to the seedlings at any time from after sprouting to before flowering of the plants .

In one embodiment, the nutrients are selected from the group consisting of calcium nitrate, potassium sulphate, potassium nitrate, monopotassium phosphate, magnesium sulphate, ammonium nitrate, nitric acid, trace elements .

In another embodiment, the first solution contains ingredients selected from the group consisting of carrot powder, flax seed, bilberry, lecithin, milk thistle, celanine, silymarin, royal jelly, gingko biloba, co- enzyme Q10, pine bark extract, PYCNOGENOL (trade mark) French maritime pine bark extract, pectin, bran, cinnamon and vegetable enzymes .

In a further embodiment, the plant growth hormone is selected from cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the plant growth hormone is a cytokinin, preferably a cytokinin derived from ascophyllum nodosum.

In yet another embodiment, the plant growth hormone or plant growth hormone-like compound is selected from the group consisting of auxins, gibberellins and naphthalenic acid, naphthalene acetic acid, indole 3 butyric acid, indole 3 acetic acid and water soluble salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the solution of nutrients, at least one plant growth hormone or plant growth hormone-like compound, and a mixture of B vitamins is administered substantially continuously to the seedlings and plants . The method is preferably carried out hydroponically.

In another embodiment, a solution for administration to animals, in the form of a drink or an injectable solution, is provided, which comprises an aqueous solution of i) a mixture of mineral-based nutrients, ii) a mixture of B vitamins, iii) acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof, and iv) at least one plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-like compound.

The solution may contain ingredients for the treatment or alleviation of certain animal diseases or conditions or be taken with ingredients for the treatment or alleviation of certain diseases or conditions. Such ingredients include dom quai, gingko biloba, medical marijuana, serotonin, L-dopamine, psyllum, red ginseng.

For the treatment of animals, at least one ingredient selected from whey, creatine, glutamine may be added to the solution, in drink form.

The present invention also provides a method of treating animals comprising feeding the animal, in drink form, the solution of the present invention. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for treating animals comprising administrating by injection the solution of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the animal is a human.

In a further embodiment, the human is fed from 1 to 6 fluid ounces of the solution daily, wherein the solution has up to about 500 grams of each nutrient compound, up to about 1000 milligrams of each B vitamin, up to about 10 grams of the plant growth hormone or plant growth hormone-like compound, and up to about 2000 milligrams of acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof per 200 litres of solution.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

It is believed that the solution of the present invention improves the immunity of plants . In terms of treating plants in accordance with the present invention, it important to feed the plants with a solution which comprises nutrients, a plant growth hormone or hormone-like compound, a mixture of B vitamins, and acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof. The invention is first discussed in relation to root feeding. When reference is made to acetyl salicylic acid, it will be understood that salts thereof could be used instead. When root feeding seedlings, although the acetyl salicylic acid may be added continuously, it is preferable that, after the initial feeding with acetyl salicylic acid, there be a period of time when feeding of the seedlings with the acetyl salicylic acid is discontinued. Disease-inducing pests may be introduced to "inoculate" the plants.

It is preferable that the seeds first be soaked in a solution of colchicine until the seed just start to sprout. The colchicine increases the vigour and symmetry of the resulting plant . Although not wishing to be bound by any theory, it is thought that the improvement in vigour and symmetry is a result of induction of polyploidy in the seedling. A suitable concentration of colchicine in water is from about 0.05 to about 0.15 wt . /wt . % . Without the treatment with colchicine, the plants are not as vigorous, many of the seeds fail to grow and they often have poor disease immunity. As colchicine is poisonous to humans and other animals, care must be taken in its handling and use.

After treatment with colchicine, the sprouting seeds are preferably put into a rooting medium. A rooting medium which is useful and commonly used, especially in hydroponic methods, is known as rockwool . Each sprouting seed is placed on a small rockwool cube, eg. 2.5cm x 2.5cm. A plurality of such rockwool cubes are placed on a table which permits water or nutrient solutions to feed the seedlings. A preferred table is set up to provide an ebb and flow hydroponic system. It is believed that an ebb and flow system promotes better growth than a continuous feeding system. Soon after sprouting, the seeds on the rockwool cubes, the sprouting seeds are placed on the table, the seeds are then root fed until the plants which grow from the seeds reach maturity. The duration depends on the type of seeds being grown.

For this whole period, the growing seedlings and plants are root fed with a solution of nutrients, at least one plant growth hormone or plant growth hormonelike compound, a mixture of B Vitamins, and acetyl salicylic acid or its salts. As indicated above, the acetyl salicylic acid is added to the solution, wither for the whole period or time, or preferably in spaced apart segments of time.

The nutrients are selected from those commonly used to fertilize plants. Generally the nutrients are selected from ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, potassium sulphate, magnesium sulphate, and monopotassium phosphate. There may also be nitric acid and/or trace elements . The ratios and concentrations of each nutrient in the nutrient solution will depend on the type of plant that is being fed, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The nutrient solution is selected to initially provide optimum conditions for rooting and then for blooming. After blooming, the nutrient solution may be changed to one which is more conducive to providing optimum conditions for fruit and seed production. If the plants are being grown without regard to blooming, i.e. not for seed production, then a solution which encourages general growth may be selected. Typically, for blooming, concentrations of ammonium nitrate may be in the range of 0 to 0.006wt . /wt . %, potassium nitrate in the range of 0 to 0.1 wt./wt%, potassium sulphate in the range of 0 to 0.03 wt./wt.%, magnesium sulphate in the range of 0 to 0.05 wt . /wt . % and monopotassium phosphate in the range of 0 to 0.03 wt./wt%. Other ingredients may be added to control pH, and trace elements may also be present . The growth hormone may be a cytokinin, auxin or gibberellins, naphthalenic acid, naphthalene acetic acid, indole 3 butyric acid, indole 3 acetic acid, water soluble salts thereof, and mixtures thereof. Cytokinins are preferable . A suitable cytokinin may be extracted from ascophyllum nodosum. Suitable sources of ascophyllum nodosum are MICRO MIST 300 (trade mark) , available from Kelp Products International, Concord, Ontario and NITROZYME (trade mark) . The growth hormone is preferably present in a concentration of from 0.5 to 5 grams per 10 litres (10 to 100 grams per 50 U.S. gallons) of solution.

Other plant growth hormones or hormone-like substances are also beneficial, e.g. α-naphthalenic acid, α-naphthalene acetic ac^'id, sometimes known as INAA or NAA, indole 3 butyric acid, sometimes known as IBA, water soluble salts thereof, and mixtures thereof.

The root feeding solution also contains a mixture of B vitamins . Preferably, the B vitamins are selected from Bl (thiamin) , B2 (riboflavin) , vitamin B3 (niacin, niacinamide) , B5 (pantothenic acid) , B6 (pyridoxine) , B complex and B12 (cobalamin, cyanocobalamin) . Typical quantities useful in the present invention are 7 to 22 ml Vitamin Bl, 100 to 300 mg Vitamin B2 , 250 to 750 mg Vitamin B5 , 250 to 750 mg Vitamin B6 and 1000 to 3000 mg Vitamin B12 per 200 litres of solution. The B Vitamins are also believed to be useful for maintaining the pH balance. Omission of the B Vitamins from the root-feeding solution tends to cause the pH to go too high, with resulting stunting of growth.

Minerals may also be added, e.g. iron, and trace quantities of other minerals, e.g. chromium, copper, iodine, manganese, sulphur, zinc, boron.

Other ingredients of the root-feeding solution may be selected from chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley juice, yucca extract, barley juice, alfalfa, carrot powder, flax seed, bilberry, lecithin, milk thistle, royal jelly, gingko biloba, co-enzyme Q10, pine bark extract, PYCNOGENOL (trade mark) pine bark extract, pectin, bran, cinnamon and vegetable enzymes. One such source of these ingredients is GREEN STUFF. (trade mark) supplement, available from New Sun Canada. In addition to providing a supply of root-feeding solution, disease resistance is aided by the addition of salicylic acid or its salts, e.g. acetyl salicylic acid. This is preferably applied during at least two time periods. For example, with a plant that takes several weeks to flower, the first application of acetyl salicylic acid may be applied during the second week of growth of the seedling. An effective concentration is about 0.5 to 4 grams acetyl salicylic acid per 200 litres of solution. The first introduction is believed to trigger the immune system of the plant . A second application of acetyl salicylic acid may be made in the fifth or sixth week of growth. Typically, a higher concentration of acetyl salicylic acid is used, e.g. 1 to 9 grams per 200 litres of solution. The acetyl salicylic acid preferably is not administered constantly, but at intervals as described above, for best results. Too much acetyl salicylic acid leads to mutation of the plant.

In order to ensure that future generations of plants remain substantially immune to disease, disease- inducing pests are introduced early in the growth cycle. Although they can be introduced prior to the first application of acetyl salicylic acid, it is best to introduce them during or after the first application of acetyl salicylic acid. The pests must be introduced before buds start to flower. Pests such as mealy bugs, white flies, moulds, spider mites and other predators may be introduced to the plants, depending on the immunity trait that is wished to be induced in the plant.

If, after sufficient exposure to the pests, the pests become a nuisance, e.g. in a greenhouses, then they can be removed using natural predators such as bees, hover flies, tachinid flies, green lace wings, praying mantis, ladybugs (ladybirds), ground beetles. It has been found that attempting to remove the plant predators with chemical agents is often non-productive and will kill off the seedlings or plants in addition to the plant predators . For example , in one experiment , pyrethrum was used in an attempt to remove pest insects and a large proportion of the seedlings died. Once the plants have fruited or seeded, the seeds are collected for planting future generations . Such seeds have been found to be resistant to the diseases which had been introduced in the process of the present invention.

It is preferable that the present method be applied in hydroponic growing situations for best results. However, the method can be used in field situations, especially where there is an irrigation system which is adapted to feed the seedlings and plants relatively continuously .

Test have been conducted in field situations without treating the seeds with colchicine but with regularly feeding the plants with a solution of the present invention and without deliberate introduction of pests. In such situations, the plants have been more vigorous than similar plants which have not been fed with solution of the present invention.

When leaf feeding plants, the plants may be sprayed with a solution of the present invention, at intervals, e.g. daily. In one experiment, a patch of hemp plants were grown using a solution of the present invention and compared with a control patch of hemp plants which were watered only, relying on soil^' nutrients only to supply the nutrients for growth. The hemp plants which were sprayed with a solution of the present invention were more vigorous, grew faster and taller, less prone to disease, were greener and generally more healthy than the control plants. The present invention provides disease-resistant seeds . Clearly they may be used in any situation but in locations where plants are grown hydroponically, infestations with spider mites, moulds and other pests have been a particular problem. The present invention should reduce the need for crop insurance because of the greater immunity and desirability of the plants.

As indicated hereinabove, the solution of the present invention has utility in the treatment of seedlings and plants. The inventor believes that there is a corollary with respect to animals in that damaged or cancerous cells are akin to the introduction of the disease-inducing pests in plants and that improved immunity can be obtained by adding suitable nutrients, plant growth hormones and acetylsalicylic acid.

In order to obtain the benefits in animals, it has been found that aqueous solutions of the present invention may be administered as a drink or administered intravenously or by injection. The aqueous solution of i) a mixture of mineral-based nutrients in the form of minerals, ii) a mixture of B vitamins, iii) acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof, and iv) at least one plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-like compound. Although not wishing to be bound by any theory, one of the important aspects of the use of the aqueous solution appears to be an ability of the solution to stabilize the animal's body at a substantially neutral pH, e.g. between about 6.5 and 7.5.

When taken as a drink, fruit juice or blended fruit may be added. For example, various fruits, e.g. bananas, grapes, orange, apple, may be blended in a blender, the solution then added and optionally fruit juice to adjust the consistency. The consistency may be like yoghurt or a fruit juice. Other compounds may be added according to the intended effect or the disease being treated. For example gingko biloba, ginseng, dom quai and other natural herbal remedies may be added. When used as a drink, whey and/or creatine and/or glutamine may be added.

Furthermore, oestrogen, progesterone or testosterone (androgen) may be added. It is believed that testosterone is beneficial as part of the solution for males, and oestrogen and/or progesterone for females. Preferably, other substances such as mood enhancing substances are added to improve the effect. Examples of such other substances include serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, norethin, vasopressin and oxytosin.

The mineral-based nutrients are selected from those commonly used to protect and enhance the animal metabolism. Typical minerals include calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, selenium, boron, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, iron, copper, phosphorus, iodine, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable mineral-based nutrients are calcium nitrate, calcium citrate, potassium sulphate, potassium nitrate, potassium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, magnesium sulphate, zinc citrate, manganese citrate, potassium iodide, chelated calcium, magnesium, iron, chromium, molybdenum and selenium. The preferred mineral-based nutrients are potassium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, calcium citrate and chelated magnesium.

The plant growth hormone may be a cytokinin, auxin or gibberellin. Cytokinins are preferable. A suitable cytokinin may be extracted from ascophyllum nodosum. Suitable sources of ascophyllum nodosum are MICRO MIST 300 (trade mark) , available from Kelp Products International, Concord, Ontario and NITROZYME (trade mark) . It is expected that the plant growth hormone preferably will be present in a concentration of from about 10 to 100 grams per 200 litres. Other plant growth hormones or hormone-like substances are also beneficial, e.g. α-naphthalenic acid, sometimes known as INAA, and indole 3 butyric acid, sometimes known as IBA. One source of α-naphthalenic acid is LIQUINOX START

(trade mark) solution available from Liquinox Company of Orange, California. LIQUINOX START also contains vitamin B-l, chelated iron, phosphoric acid and a yucca extract base. The solution also contains a mixture of B-vitamins. Preferably, the B-vitamins are selected from Bl (thiamin) , B2 (riboflavin) , B6 (pyridoxine) , B3 (niacin, niacinamide) , B5 (pantothenic acid) , B complex and B12 (cobalamin, cyanocobalamin) and mixtures thereof. It is expected that typical quantities useful in the present invention will be 7 to 22 ml of vitamin Bl, 100 to 300 mg Vitamin B2 , 250 to 750 mg vitamin B5, 250 to

750 mg Vitamin B6 and 1000 to 3000 meg Vitamin B12 per 200 litres. The B Vitamins are also useful for maintaining the pH balance.

Other ingredients of the- solution may be selected from chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, yucca extract, barley juice, alfalfa, carrot powder, flax seed, bilberry, lecithin, milk thistle, royal jelly, ginkgo biloba, co-enzyme Q10, pine bark extract, pectin, bran, dom quai, ginseng, cinnamon and vegetable enzymes. One source of some of these ingredients is GREEN STUFF (trade mark) supplement, available from New Sun Canada. One source of French maritime bark extract is available under the trade mark PYCNOGENOL.

Disease resistance is believed to be aided by the addition of salicylic acid or its salts, e.g. acetyl salicylic acid. An effective concentration is expected to be from about 0.5 to 4 grams acetyl salicylic acid per 200 litres. The introduction of acetyl salicylic acid is believed to trigger the immune system of the animal . One of the effects of the drink appears to be an ability to stabilize the pH of the body to neutral, i.e. a pH of about 7. The present invention appears to enhance disease-resistance and enable the body to recuperate at a faster rate, especially when used in combination with compounds which are directed to alleviating or curing the disease.

As an example, the present invention can be used to help combat attention deficit disorders, and can be used to minimize or remove the need to rely on drug treatments such as methylphenidate (trade mark,

RITALIN) . Deficiencies of several essential fatty acids and, sometimes, vitamin B6 have been observed in children with attention deficit disorder. It is believed that intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with the present aqueous solution would be helpful in combatting attention deficit disorder. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are available from flax seed. However, hemp seed gives a higher yield than flax seed. About 3 ounces hemp seed oil per 200 litres of solution is recommended.

Other useful additives include gingko biloba for focus and concentration, St. John's wort for helping the mental faculty, red ginseng for stimulation, glutamine for leaky ducts, and dom quai for post menstrual problems . The invention is further illustrated by the following examples : Example 1:

Lettuce seeds were first soaked in colchicine solution before allowing to sprout. After sprouting the seedlings were transferred to rockwool cubes and placed on an ebb and flow hydroponic table.

After one week, the lettuce seedlings were continuously treated with a solution, described hereinafter, until the lettuce seeded. The solution was made from a nutrient solution, a vitamin solution, a plant hormone and acetyl salicylic acid. These ingredients were combined with water into a 200 litre solution. The following quantities are the amounts in the 200 litre (50 U.S. gallon) solution. The nutrients consisted of 165 g calcium nitrate, 22 g potassium sulphate, 87 g potassium nitrate, 26 g monopotassium phosphate, 12 g ammonium nitrate, 10 mL nitric acid and 3 g trace elements. The B-vitamin mixture comprised 2000 meg vitamin B12, 500 mg vitamin B6, 500 mg vitamin B5, 200 mg vitamin B6 and 200 mg vitamin B2. 30 mL (two tablespoons) LIQUINOX START (trade mark) solution, which contained 2.00% phosphoric acid, 0.1% iron, 0.1% vitamin Bl and 0.04% α-naphthalene acetic acid, was also added. Twenty five grams MICRO MIST 300 ascophyllum nodosum extract and 1 g acetyl salicylic acid were also added. Aphids were introduced after leaves appeared. The plants remained healthy. Example 2 :

The experiment of Example 1 was repeated except that tomato seeds were used, and the nutrient solution contained 153 g calcium nitrate, 45 g potassium sulphate, 116 g potassium nitrate, 44 g monopotassium phosphate, 91 g magnesium sulphate, 10 mL nitric acid and 6 g trace elements.

Spider mites were introduced after leaves appeared. The plants remained healthy.

Ripe tomatoes were picked in October and were still good and firm at the end of December. Example 3 :

The experiment of Example 1 was repeated except that cucumber seeds were used, and the nutrient solution contained 167 g calcium nitrate, 47 g potassium sulphate, 90 g potassium nitrate, 35 g monopotassium phosphate, 71 g magnesium sulphate, 6 g ammonium nitrate, 10 mL nitric acid and 6 g trace elements. The cucumbers were exposed to downy mildew and aphids but remained healthy. Example 4 :

The experiment of Example 1 was repeated except that hemp seeds were used, and the nutrient solution contained 204 g calcium nitrate, 139 g potassium sulphate, 87 g monopotassium phosphate, 342 g magnesium sulphate and 28 g trace elements. This solution is particularly well adapted to production of flowers and seeds . Example 5 :

The experiment of Example 1 was repeated except that hemp seeds were used, and the nutrient solution contained 300 g calcium nitrate, 23 g potassium sulphate, 69 g monopotassium phosphate, 104 g potassium nitrate, 224 g magnesium sulphate and 20 g trace elements in 200 litres. To this solution was added 1 gram acetyl salicylic acid, 25 grams ascophyllum nodosum and two tablespoonsful (30 ml) of a solution of 2% phosphoric acid, 0.10% chelated iron, 0.1% vitamin Bl, 0.04% alpha naphthalene acetic acid with yucca extract. This solution is particularly well adapted to the growth of the hemp plants . Example 6 :

The seeds from Experiment 4 were taken and fed a growth solution. The solution was made from a nutrient solution, a plant hormone, LIQUINOX START solution and acetyl salicylic acid. These ingredients were combined with water into a 200 litre solution. The following quantities are the amounts in the 200 litre solution and the nutrient solution contained 300 g calcium nitrate, 23 g potassium sulphate, 104 g potassium nitrate, 69 g monopotassium phosphate, 224 g magnesium sulphate and 20 g trace elements.

The plants were vigorous and healthy and withstood infestation. Example 7 :

An experiment was conducted at the University of Western Ontario with hemp plants, for the purpose of developing hemp plants suitable for producing high quality medical marijuana and hemp oil. A first aqueous solution was prepared from 400 ml warm water, 1000 mg pantothenic acid, 400 mg riboflavin, 400 mg niacin, 500 mg pyridoxine, 2 g vitamin B12, two 500 mg multivitamin tablets, 800 IU vitamin D and 800 IU vitamin E. A second solution was made with 25 ml LIQUINOX START, 1300 mg acetyl salicylic acid and 100 ml kelp. The first and second solutions, and 1000 mg vitamin C, were added to 200 litres of water to form a stock solution. The stock solution had a pH of 7.0.

Mixture A, comprising 3 teaspoonsful (about 15 ml) of calcium nitrate and 0.5 teaspoonsful (about 2.5 ml) of chelated trace elements was mixed in a 20 litre pail with Mixture B, comprising 0.125 teaspoonsful (about 0.625 ml) of potassium sulphate, 1.25 teaspoonsful (about 6.25 ml) of potassium nitrate, 0.75 teaspoonsful (about 3.75 ml) of monopotassium phosphate and 3 teaspoonsful (about 15 ml) of magnesium sulphate. This solution had a pH of about 5.5. The pail was then filled with stock solution and the resulting solution stirred. The solution in the pail was split between two pails and each pail was topped up with water. One of the pails was diluted 20:1 with water, and the other pail was diluted 10:1 with water. Each of the diluted solutions pails had a pH of 7.0. The ingredients in the diluted solutions were intended to provide a solution adapted for root development and general growth of the plants.

A crop of hemp, which had been grown from seed, was sprayed with the 20:1 solution when the seedlings were about one week old. Every 10 days thereafter until the end of about 10 weeks, the hemp crop was sprayed with the 10:1 solution. After 2 months the hemp plants were about 1.7 metres high, vigorous, healthy and green in colour; there was no yellowing as in a control crop which had not been sprayed with the solution.

Another solution, intended to provide ingredients adapted for flowering and seed development was then prepared. One millilitre of vitamin K was added to the 200 litre above stock solution, to form a new stock solution. Solution A, which comprised 4 litres of the new stock solution, 3 teaspoonsful (about 15 ml) of calcium nitrate and 1 teaspoonful (about 5 ml) of chelated trace elements was mixed in a 20 litre pail with Solution B, which comprised 4 litres of the new stock solution, 1 teaspoonful (about 5 ml) of potassium sulphate, 0.75 teaspoonsful (about 3.75 ml) of monopotassium phosphate and 4 teaspoonsful (about 20 ml) of magnesium sulphate.

The pail was then filled with new stock solution and the resulting solution stirred. The solution in the pail was split between two pails and each pail was topped up with water. One of the pails was diluted 20:1 and the other pail was diluted 10:1. The diluted solutions had a pH of 7.0.

The crop of hemp was sprayed once with the 20:1 solution. Every 10 days thereafter, until the plants had bloomed and seeded, the hemp crop was sprayed with the 10:1 solution. The plants reached a height of about 3.5 to 3.7 metres, were vigorous, healthy and green in colour; and there was no yellowing as in a control crop which had not been sprayed with the solution. Example 8 : Two hundred litres of a drink solution were prepared with 153 g calcium citrate, 116 g potassium citrate, 91 g magnesium sulphate, 445 g potassium sulphate, 44 g monopotassium phosphate, 10 g trace elements, 28 g NITROZYME ascophyllum nodosum, 21 g LIQUINOX START solution (with α-naphthalene acetic acid) , 1 tablet MULTI-MINERAL PLUS (trade mark) multi minerals, 1000 meg vitamin B12 , 500 mg vitamin B6, 500 mg vitamin B5, 200 mg vitamin B3 , 200 mg vitamin B2 , 400 IU vitamin D, 1000 mg vitamin C, 1600 IU vitamin E oil, 1500 mg safflower oil, 1000 mg hemp oil, 1000 mg grape seed oil, 4 ml St. John's wort, 4 ml gingko biloba and 1200 mg acetyl salicylic acid.

Between one teaspoonful (about 5 ml) and one tablespoonful (about 15 ml) of a powdered mixture of 70% creatine, 20% whey and 10% glutamine were stirred and mixed into one ounce (about 30 ml) of the above solution. The resulting mixture was diluted with about 60 ml grape juice. Every day, such a mixture was made and consumed by a male whose body fluid pH was about 5.5. After several days the person's body fluid pH had become neutral at about 7.0. The person continued to consume samples of the mixture for about 30 days and the pH remained stabilized about 7. Example 9 :

Two hundred litres of a solution were prepared with 153 g calcium citrate, 116 g potassium citrate, 91 g magnesium sulphate, 445 g potassium sulphate, 44 g monopotassium phosphate, 10 g trace elements, 28 g NITROZYME ascophyllum nodosum, 21 g LIQUINOX START α-naphthalene acetic acid, 1 tablet MULTI-MINERAL PLUS (trade mark) multi minerals, 1000 meg vitamin B12,

500 mg vitamin B6, 500 mg vitamin B5, 200 mg vitamin B3 , 200 mg vitamin B2, 400 IU vitamin D, 1000 mg vitamin C and 1200 mg acetyl salicylic acid.

An individual with hepatitis C drank a mixture of 150 ml of the above solution and 150 ml orange juice once a week and injected 3 ml of the solution into the blood stream once a week. Samples of blood were taken 11 days prior to administering the solution by drinking and by injection, and 30 days after start of the treatment . There was a noticeable difference in the blood analysis, e.g. pH, and in the health of the individual .

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. An aqueous solution for treating plants or animals comprising i) a mixture of mineral-based nutrients, ii) a mixture of B vitamins, iii) acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof, and iv) at least one plant growth inducing hormone or hormone- like compound.

2. An aqueous solution according to Claim 1 wherein the plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-like compound is selected from the group consisting of cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, α-naphthalenic acid, α-naphthalene acetic acid, indole 3 butyric acid, indole 3 acetic acid, water soluble salts thereof, and mixtures thereof .

3. An aqueous solution according to Claim 2 wherein the cytokinin is derived from ascophyllum nodosum.

4. An aqueous solution according to Claim 1 wherein the mineral-based nutrients are selected from the group consisting of nitrates, nitric acid, phosphates, citrates, and sulphates.

5. An aqueous solution according to Claim 4 wherein the mineral-based nutrients are selected from the group consisting of nitrates, phosphates, citrates and sulphates of alkali metals, ammonia, alkaline earth metals and magnesium.

6. An aqueous solution according to Claim 5 wherein the mineral-based nutrients are selected from the group consisting of calcium nitrate, potassium sulphate, potassium nitrate, monopotassium phosphate, magnesium sulphate and ammonium nitrate .

7. An aqueous solution according to Claim 1 wherein the B vitamins are selected from the group consisting of vitamin Bl, vitamin B2 , vitamin B6, vitamin B3 , vitamin B5, vitamin B12 and B complex and mixtures thereof.

8. An aqueous solution according to Claim 2 wherein the mineral-based nutrients are selected from the group consisting of calcium nitrate, potassium sulphate, potassium nitrate, monopotassium phosphate, magnesium sulphate and ammonium nitrate .

9. An aqueous solution according to Claim 8 wherein the B vitamins are selected from the group consisting of vitamin Bl, vitamin B2 , vitamin B6, vitamin B3 , vitamin B5 , vitamin B12 and B complex and mixtures thereof .

10. A method for treating plants comprising feeding the plants or seedlings thereof with an aqueous solution of i) a mixture of mineral-based nutrients, ii) a mixture of B vitamins, iii) acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof, and iv) at least one plant growth inducing hormone or hormone-like compound.

11. A method according to Claim 10 wherein the mineral- based nutrients are selected for root development.

12. A method according to Claim 10 wherein the mineral- based nutrients are selected for growth.

13. A method according to Claim 10 wherein the mineral- based nutrients are selected for flower development .

14. A method according to Claim 10 wherein the mineral- based nutrients are selected for seed or fruit development .

15. A method according to Claim 10 wherein the solution is fed to roots or sprayed on leaves of the plants and the pH of the solution is from about 6.5 to about 7.5.

16. A method for improving the immunity in plants, comprising the following steps: (a) feeding seedlings of a plant with a solution which comprises nutrients, a mixture of B-vitamins and acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof, and at least one plant-growth inducing compound selected from the group consisting of plant growth hormones and plant growth hormone-like compounds;

(b) introducing a disease- inducing pest to the seedlings at any time from after sprouting of the seedlings to before flowering of the plants.

17. A method according to Claim 16 wherein a first portion of acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof is added to the solution during a first time period of application of the solution, and a second portion of acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof is added to the solution during a second time period of application of the solution, the second time period being separated from the first time period by a third time period, all of the acetyl salicylic acid or salt thereof being administered before the plants flower.

18. A method for treating plants comprising:

(a) soaking seeds of the plant in a 0.05 to 0.15 wt . /wt . % colchicine in water and allowing the seeds to sprout into seedlings;

(b) feeding the seedlings with a first solution over a first time period, the solution comprising nutrients, at least one plant growth hormone, and a mixture of B-vitamins ;

(d) adding a first portion of salicylic acid or a salt thereof to the first solution during a second time period and a second portion of salicylic acid or a salt thereof to the first solution during a third time period, the second time period being separated from the third time period by a fourth time period, and the second, third and fourth time periods being within the first time period, all of the acetyl salicylic acid or salt thereof being administered before the plants flower;

(e) introducing the disease-inducing pest to the seedlings at any time from after sprouting to before flowering of the plants .

19. A method for improving the immunity in animals, comprising injecting or intravenously feeding an animal with a solution which comprises minerals compatible with the animal, at least one plant growth hormone, a mixture of B-vitamins and salicylic acid or salts thereof.

20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a solution which comprises minerals compatible with the animal, at least one plant growth hormone, a mixture of B-vitamins and salicylic acid or salts thereof.

21. A method of treating animals comprising feeding the animal, in drink form, the solution of Claim 1.

22. A method according to Claim 21 wherein the animal is a human.

23. A method according to Claim 22 wherein, the human is fed from 1 to 6 fluid ounces of the solution daily, wherein the solution has up to about 500 grams of each nutrient compound, up to about 1000 milligrams of each B vitamin, up to about 10 grams of the plant growth hormone or plant growth hormone-like compound, and up to about 2000 milligrams of acetyl salicylic acid or a salt thereof per 200 litres of solution.