WO2011034528A1

WO2011034528A1 - Cold and flu symptomatic relief composition

Info

Publication number: WO2011034528A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/057132
Authority: WO
Inventors: Govindan Gopinathan
Original assignee: Govindan Gopinathan
Priority date: 2009-09-16
Filing date: 2009-09-16
Publication date: 2011-03-24

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous dietary supplement composition for providing symptomatic relief to a user suffering from the common cold or flu. According to at least one aspect of the present invention, an aqueous dietary supplement composition is provided that is formulated to alleviate a number of the symptoms common to both the cold and flu. The aqueous dietary supplement composition is formulated from natural ingredients including Black Pepper, Cumin, and Ginger. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the formulation of the aqueous dietary supplement composition further includes Turmeric, Cinnamon, Rose Hip, and Saffron. The formulation can optionally include sugar or other sweeteners and natural flavorings. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous dietary supplement composition is formulated from extracts of Black Pepper, Cumin, Ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Rose Hip, and Saffron.

Description

COLD AND FLU SYMPTOMATIC RELIEF COMPOSITION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to the field of pharmacognosy and particularly to the formulation of aqueous dietary supplement compositions for providing symptomatic relief to a user suffering from the common cold or flu.

2. Background Art

Acute Viral Nasopharyngitis-otherwise known as the common cold-and influenza are two of the most common, viral infectious diseases. Together, these two illnesses have been estimated to cost the United States over $30 billion annually in treatment methods, preventative measures, and lost productivity. Beyond their economic impact, the cold and flu affect the lives of billions of people worldwide. In the United States alone, approximately 100 million people are afflicted every year. Cures, treatments, and preventative measures for these infections have been sought for centuries and although some preventative measures are now known, researchers have been unable to develop any definitive cures and current modes of treatment are predominantly palliative in nature. Until proven and effective cures for the cold and flu are discovered, there will remain the need for relief compositions that are reliable, safe, and specifically formulated to target the illnesses' associated symptoms. Symptoms common to the cold include body aches, sore throat, running nose, mild cough, nasal and throat congestion, and persistent sneezing. Additionally, fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite can also be present. The illness and its associated symptoms usually clear up within about seven days of their onset, but it is not uncommon that they persist for as long as two weeks. To provide relief from the symptoms of the common cold, the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommends drinking fluids and gargling with warm saline water along with the use of nasal sprays and over-the-counter (OTC) pain and cold remedies. Appropriate OTC medications include Tylenol (acetaminophen), Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), Vitamin-C, Zinc preparations, decongestants like Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine), anti-histamines like Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), and cough suppressants like Vicks and Codeine Sulfate.

The influenza virus carries symptoms including acute chills, high fever, sore throat, severe headache, muscle pains, cough, congestion, and lethargy. In some cases, gastrointestinal symptoms are prominent; when a patient experiences nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, the influenza virus giving rise to such symptoms is colloquially referred to as the "stomach flu." In children, the elderly, and immunodeficient persons— including HIV and chemotherapy patients among others— influenza can cause acute viral pneumonia which can sometimes result in death. Most of the symptomatic treatments used for the common cold can also be used to treat the symptoms of the flu. As with the common cold, antibiotics are only useful as a treatment for secondary infections. Flu vaccination is a proven preventive treatment and recently, the potential of antiviral medications— including Neuraminidase and M2 inhibitors— has drawn the attention medical professionals.

Dietary supplement compositions formulated to alleviate the symptoms associated with the common cold and flu are known in the art. Patents in this field have disclosed a number of different formulations for providing relief to users afflicted with the symptoms of the cold and flu. Furthermore, there are a variety of patents which discuss some of the components mentioned herein. Examples of some can be found in the following U.S. patents: 4,402,950; 4,409,245; 4,592,910;

4,595,593; 5,248,503; 5,494,668; 5,536,506; 5,560,912; 5,643,623; 5,716,928; 5,744,161; 5,972,382; 6,024,960; 6,027,716; 6,048,533; 6,121,234; 6,224,871;

6,264,995; 6,312,736; 6,387,416; 6,391,346; 6,399,114; 6,416,807; 6,465,019;

6,544,564; 6,586,018; 6,592,896; 6,596,313; 6,613,362; 6,641 ,846; 6,713,115;

6,767,563; 6,827,945; 6,949,260; 7,087,250; 7,166,435; 7,205,010; 7,241,461;

7,371,389; 7,384,654; 7,384,655; 7,384,656; 7,396,546; 7,405,046; and 7,414,079. The following articles and publications include passages concerning components and/or theories discussed herein or are potentially relevant to those disclosed herein: Sharma, S., S. K. Kulkarni, J. N. Agrewala, and K. Chopra. "Curcumin Attenuates Thermal Hyperalgesia in a Diabetic Mouse Model of Neuropathic Pain." European Journal of Pharmacology 1 May 2006.

O'Hara, Mary, David Kiefer, Kim Farrell, and Kathi Kemper. "A Review of 12 Commonly Used Medicinal Herbs." Archives of Family Medicine vol. 7

(2007).

Ernst, E., and M. H. Pittler. "Efficacy of Ginger for Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials." British Journal of Anesthesia vol. 84 (2000).

Afshari, Ali Taghizadeh et al. "The effect of Ginger on Diabetic Neuropathy, Plasma Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Peroxidation in Rats." Food Chemistry vol. 101 (2007).

Mayo Clinic. "Drugs & Supplements: Ginger." 2006.

Al Amin, Zainab et al. "Anti-Diabetic and Hypolipidaemic Properties of Ginger in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats." British Journal of Nutrition vol. 96

(2006).

"Cinnamon Extracts Boost Insulin Sensitivity." Agricultural Research Magazine July 2000.

"Cinnamon Spice Produces Healthier Blood." New Scientist 24 Nov. 2003.

"Pepper." The Encyclopedia of Spices. Epicentre

"Maple Syrup Industry." The Canadian Encyclopedia.

"Cumin." Spices. Exotic Flavors & Medicines. Louise M Darling Biomedical Library UCLA (on-line).

Simon, J. E., A. F. Chadwick, and L. E. Craker. "Cumin." Herbs: An Indexed Bibliography 1971 & 1980.

Abdullaev, F. L. "Cancer Chemopreventive and Tumoricidal Properties of Saffron

(Crocus Sativus)." Experimental Biology and Medicine 10 Jan. 2006.

Assimopoulou, A. N., V. P. Papageorgiou, and Z. Sinakos. "Radical Scavenging

Activity of Crocus Sativus." Phytotherapy Research vol. 19 (2005).

PDR for Herbal Medicines. Thomson Publications 4th ed. (2007).

Magic and Medicine of Plants. Readers' Digest Publication (1986).

Passages from Wikipedia.org and the Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library concerning some of the primary components discussed herein were consulted. The common cold and flu are different diseases, caused by different viruses, with different clinical courses and outcomes. Despite this, the illnesses share a number of common symptoms. The cold and flu can cause fever, dehydration, headache, fatigue, congestion, sore throat, body aches, and cough. The prior art has failed to provide a dietary supplement composition that is specifically formulated to effectively alleviate the symptoms common to both the cold and flu and that uses natural ingredients which are sufficiently free of harmful components. Until the emergence of proven cures for the common cold and influenza— and likely beyond their discovery as well— there will exist a need for dietary supplement preparations which are targeted to provide symptomatic relief for the cold and flu while avoiding harmful components of the natural ingredients used in the preparations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to providing a dietary supplement composition that is formulated to effectively relieve a user's common cold and influenza symptoms and that utilizes natural ingredients which are sufficiently free of harmful biological and chemical components. The present invention generally provides an aqueous dietary supplement composition specifically formulated to alleviate a number of the symptoms common to both the cold and flu. It is an aspect of the invention to provide an aqueous dietary supplement composition comprising natural ingredients chosen to avoid the inclusion of the known harmful components Fumonisin and coumarin.

In addition to treating the specific associated symptoms and avoiding harmful components of the utilized ingredients, it is important for those suffering with either the cold or flu to remain hydrated during all stages of the illness. Organizations, including the American Lung Association, advise patients against the use of tea, coffee, colas, other caffeinated drinks, and alcoholic beverages as hydration sources during the course of either illness. Because of this, it can be difficult for patients to remain properly hydrated while they are infected with the cold or flu. Accordingly, it is a further aspect of the present invention to provide an aqueous composition which effectively hydrates the user while also providing nutritional value throughout the course of the illness.

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an aqueous dietary supplement composition comprising Black Pepper, Cumin, and Ginger. According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an aqueous dietary supplement composition comprising Black Pepper, Cumin, Ginger, and Turmeric.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention relates to an aqueous dietary supplement composition comprising Black Pepper, Cumin, Ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Rose Hip, and Saffron.

According to still another aspect, the present invention relates to an aqueous dietary supplement composition comprising extracts of Black Pepper, Cumin, Ginger, and optionally includes extracts of Turmeric, Cinnamon, Rose Hip, and Saffron. According to still yet another aspect, the present invention relates to an aqueous dietary supplement composition which can further optionally include sweeteners, natural flavorings, and preservatives.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred compositions, embodiments and methods of the present invention, which constitute the best modes of practicing the invention presently known to the inventor. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the invention and/or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Except in the examples, or where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions of reaction and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about" in describing the broadest scope of the invention. Practice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferred. All concentration values and ranges appearing in this application are to be understood as contemplating solutions in which water is the primary component, whether or not the term "water" or "aqueous" is used in describing the concentration. Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary: percent, "parts of," and ratio values are by weight; description of a group or class of materials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose in connection with the invention implies that mixtures of any two or more of the members of the group or class are equally suitable or preferred; description of constituents in chemical terms refers to the constituents at the time of addition to any combination specified in the description, and does not necessarily preclude chemical interactions among the constituents of a mixture once mixed; the first definition of an acronym or other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses herein of the same abbreviation and applies mutatis mutandis to normal grammatical variations of the initially defined abbreviation; and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, measurement of a property is determined by the same technique as previously or later referenced for the same property.

A novel aqueous dietary supplement composition for providing symptomatic relief to a user suffering from the common cold or flu is provided. The aqueous dietary supplement composition is formulated to alleviate symptoms common to both the cold and flu while also providing effective hydration and continued defense against the cold and flu viruses. The cold and flu illnesses share a number of common symptoms including fever, dehydration, headache, fatigue, congestion, sore throat, body aches, and cough. The present invention provides an aqueous composition that a user can consume during the course of an illness in order to alleviate the symptoms, aid in maintaining proper hydration, and help protect against future infections. Additionally, it is an aspect of the invention to use natural, FDA- approved active ingredients in the formulation of the aqueous dietary supplement composition. In a specific embodiment, the disclosed ingredients— also referred to herein as "constituents"— have been specifically chosen to avoid the inclusion of the harmful components Fumonisin and coumarin. According to at least one aspect, the aqueous dietary supplement composition comprises Black Pepper, Cumin, and Ginger. These three constituents are described more specifically below. The following table provides at least certain embodiments of the target concentration and the acceptable concentration range for each constituent:

CONSTITUENT TARGET CONCENTRATION ACCEPTABLE RANGE

Black Pepper 20 mg/L 10-50 mg/L

Cumin 35 mg/L 25-100 mg/L

Ginger 75 mg/L 35-100 mg/L

Black Pepper is the common name for the spice obtained from the dried fruit of the flowering vine Piper Nigrum. The Piper Nigrum plant is a perennial woody vine that typically will grow to four meters in height and is found naturally throughout both the tropics and subtropics. The vine contains fruiting spikes along its length from which the common spice is cultivated. Generally, a single stem will bear between 20 and 30 fruiting spikes which are harvested as soon as some of the berries (peppercorns) begin to ripen. After drying in the sun, the peppercorns are removed from the fruiting spikes and collected for further processing. Depending on the particular harvest times and processing methods utilized, at least four different varieties of pepper can be obtained: 1) Black Pepper; 2) Green Pepper; 3) White Pepper; and 4) Red Pepper. Although this application exclusively uses the term "Black Pepper" to refer to the spice obtained from the Piper Nigrum plant, it is understood that the other three varieties of pepper may be used in accordance with the present invention. The widespread consumption and trade of Black Pepper has existed for centuries. Today, Black Pepper is grown primarily in southern India and Indonesia. The peppercorn's principal flavor comes from its chemical component piperine, but other essential oils, including terpenes-such as pinene, sabinene, limonene, caryophyllene, and linalool-also contribute to both the peppercorn's aroma and flavor.

Black Pepper, in addition to being a flavorant, has carminative, stomach stimulating, antibacterial, diaphoretic, anti-flatulence, and anti-nausea properties. Black Pepper has also been shown to raise the body's temperature, an effect which can help to avert fever during the early stages of an illness. In further support of its varied uses, Black Pepper's chemical component piperine has been shown to inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes, increases plasma concentrations, and delay elimination of several drugs. By inhibiting drug metabolism, piperine may increase the bioavailability of various compounds. Importantly, piperine has been noted to dramatically enhance the bioavailability of curcumin, a primary component of Turmeric which has numerous health benefits. Black Pepper forms a principal constituent of the aqueous dietary supplement composition of the present invention because of its ability to delay drug metabolism and its anti-nausea, antibacterial, and diaphoretic properties. The symptom-alleviating effects of Black Pepper have been shown to be present when the concentration of Black Pepper in solution is between 10 and 50 mg/L. In order to provide maximum symptomatic relief, the target concentration of Black Pepper in solution is 20 mg/L.

Cumin is the dried seed of the herbaceous annual plant Cuminum Cyminum. The plant is native to the region which spans from the eastern Mediterranean to East India. Cuminum Cyminum is a flowering plant that produces single-seed fruit. Although Cumin seeds are similar to other herbal seeds, they are characterized by a peculiar odor and taste that has made Cumin a popular spice. Cumin's distinctive flavor and aroma can be attributed to its essential oil content including its main constituent compound, cuminaldehyde (4-isopropylbenzaldehyde).

Cumin is an effective and strong digestion stimulant and displays prevalent carminative effects. Cumin is also a potent anti-spasmodic herb and has been found in some instances to be effective at treating colic and dyspeptic headaches. Additionally, Cumin is known to be an effective antioxidant. Cumin is an important constituent in the present invention's aqueous dietary supplement composition because of its carminative, digestion-stimulating, antioxidant, anti-spasmodic, and sedative properties. These properties can help to alleviate many of the symptoms common to the cold and flu. Beneficial biomedical activity occurs when Cumin is present in solution at concentrations of between 25 and 100 mg/L and is most favorable at a concentration of 35 mg/L.

Ginger is a spice obtained from the root of the perennial plant, Zingiber Officinale. The Zingiber Officinale plant is widely grown in India, southeast Asia, west Africa, and the Caribbean. Ginger is used worldwide as a spice for both food and drink products and as a medicinal supplement. Various forms of Ginger can be found in markets and pharmacies throughout the world.

Ginger is a well-known carminative and stomach-stimulating agent. Ginger can also relieve nausea and control diarrhea. Despite being considered generally safe by the FDA, people taking Warfarin or other blood thinners have been cautioned to seek medical guidance in the use of Ginger. Ginger is an integral constituent of the aqueous dietary supplement composition of the present invention because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, anti-diarrhetic, decongestant, and stomach stimulating properties. Additionally, Ginger helps to alleviate the symptoms of the cold and flu by providing some relief to aches and pains. The symptom- alleviating effects of Ginger prevail when the concentration of Ginger in solution is between 35 and 100 mg/L. Maximum symptomatic relief occurs at a Ginger concentration of 75 mg/L. Recently, varieties of Ginger— along with several other agricultural commodities— have been found to contain potentially harmful amounts of the mycotoxin Fumonisin. Fumonisin is the general name given to a class of mycotoxins derived from Fusarium. It is a mold toxin that grows on agricultural products both prior to, and post harvest. More than ten types of Fumonisin have been isolated and characterized. All types of Fumonisin can potentially cause liver damage and adverse changes to the levels of certain classes of lipids within the human body. Due to the inherent danger associated with the consumption of sufficiently-high levels of Fumonisin, it is preferred that the present invention utilize only Fumonisin-free Ginger. As used herein, the descriptive term, "Fumonisin-free Ginger," is used to indicate Ginger sources proven to not contain potentially-hazardous levels of Fumonisin. The term is not meant to be restricted to Ginger that is totally Fumonisin- free since nonhazardous, trace amounts of Fumonisin may still be present.

According to another aspect, the aqueous dietary supplement composition comprises Black Pepper, Cumin, Ginger, and Turmeric. The effects of, and details concerning, the additional constituent Turmeric are described below. The following table provides at least certain embodiments of the target concentration and the acceptable concentration range for each constituent:

CONSTITUENT TARGET CONCENTRATION ACCEPTABLE RANGE

Black Pepper 20 mg/L 10-50 mg/L

Cumin 35 mg/L 25-100 mg/L

Ginger 75 mg/L 35-100 mg/L

Turmeric 1,500 mg/L 500-3,000 mg/L

Turmeric— also known less-commonly as Curcuma Longa— is a root spice and a herbaceous perennial plant of the Ginger family. It is an integral component in the preparation of curry powder and is widely used throughout India and other countries. Like a number of the spices discussed herein, for centuries Turmeric has primarily been used in culinary applications. The principal active chemical component of Turmeric is curcumin, a curcuminoid which has shown vast potential in the field of medicine. Curcumin has been championed as a potentially effective treatment for infections, liver disorders, Alzheimer's disease, depression, psoriasis, and a variety of cancers including multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and colo-rectal cancer. When taken orally, Turmeric can both directly and indirectly inhibit the body's response to inflammatory agents by stimulating production of natural corticosteroids from the adrenal glands, "sensitising" cortisone receptor sites on cells, and preventing the breakdown of Cortisol. In fact, clinical trials have found Turmeric's principal component curcumin to be as effective as the pharmaceutical drugs Cortisone and Phenylbutazone. And unlike anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals, curcumin is believed to have no known side effects. Additionally, curcumin is a proven antioxidant and has been shown to prevent free radical damage more effectively than Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or superoxide dismutase. It has further displayed the ability to reduce the clumping of platelets, which can improve circulation and help protect against atherosclerosis. Further studies concerning the medicinal applications of Turmeric have revealed the capacities to increase bile secretion, an effect likely attributable to the cholagogue-type substance curcumin, and to relieve pain. Clinical trials have shown that the beneficial biomedical activity of

Turmeric occurs when more than 1,200 mg of the substance is delivered to the patient. For this reason, Turmeric is effective in solution at concentrations of between 500 and 3,000 mg/L and is most effective at a concentration of 1 ,500 mg/L. Turmeric is a key constituent in the present invention's aqueous dietary supplement composition because of its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antioxidant, and digestion-stimulating properties. These properties can help to alleviate many of the symptoms common to the cold and flu, while also providing Turmeric's inherent nutritional value.

Like Ginger, Turmeric has been found to contain the mycotoxin Fumonisin at levels that are potentially hazardous to the health of human patients. Due to the inherent danger associated with the consumption of sufficiently-high levels of Fumonisin, it is preferred that the present invention utilize only Fumonisin-free Turmeric. As used herein, the descriptive term, "Fumonisin-free Turmeric," is used to indicate Turmeric sources proven to not contain potentially-hazardous levels of Fumonisin. The term is not meant to be restricted to Turmeric that is totally Fumonisin-free since nonhazardous, trace amounts of Fumonisin may still be present. According to yet another aspect, the aqueous dietary supplement composition comprises Black Pepper, Cumin, Ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Rose Hip, and Saffron. The additional constituents, Cinnamon, Rose Hip, and Saffron, are described more specifically below. The following table provides certain embodiments of the target concentration and the acceptable concentration range for each constituent:

CONSTITUENT TARGET CONCENTRATION ACCEPTABLE RANGE

Black Pepper 20 mg/L 10-50 mg/L

Cumin 35 mg/L 25-100 mg/L

Ginger 75 mg/L 35-100 mg/L

Turmeric 1,500 mg/L 500-3,000 mg/L

Cinnamon 25 mg/L 15-75 mg/L

Rose Hip 25 mg/L 15-75 mg/L

Saffron 25 mg/L 5-50 mg/L

Cinnamon— also known as both Cinnamomum Verum and C. Zeylanicum— is a spice derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree, which is commercially grown in southern India, Java, Sumatra, the West Indies, Brazil, Vietnam, Madagascar, Zanzibar, and Egypt. The spice is known for its distinct odor— a result of Cinnamon's essential oil content. The majority of powdered Cinnamon sold in supermarkets in the United States is actually the related, but distinct substance Cassia. True Cinnamon, Cinnamomum Verum, has a finer, less dense, and more brittle texture than Cassia. Additionally, the two substances are further distinguished by Cassia's darker color and stronger flavor than True Cinnamon. European health agencies have recently warned against consuming large amounts of Cassia, due to its toxic component coumarin. In high concentrations, coumarin is known to cause liver and kidney damage. True Cinnamon contains only negligible amounts of the chemical toxin coumarin and is the only type of Cinnamon used for the purposes of the present invention. Accordingly, as used herein, the term "Cinnamon" denotes True Cinnamon, Cinnamomum Verum, and not the related spice Cassia. Cinnamon is known to be an effective antibacterial agent. Studies have evaluated its antibacterial activity against a number of bacterial species including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The studies have shown that, even at low concentrations, Cinnamon has the ability to effectively inhibit each of the species. Further research has found Cinnamon capable of inhibiting numerous additional bacterial species and certain fungal yeasts. Cinnamon is used in the aqueous dietary supplement composition of the present invention in order to take advantage of its strong antibacterial property. The antibacterial effect of Cinnamon prevails when the concentration of Cinnamon in solution is between 15 and 75 mg/L and is most effective at a concentration of 25 mg/L.

Rose Hip is the pomaceous fruit of the rose plant. A common species of rose plant from which Rose Hip is harvested is the Dog Rose, Rosa canina. Rose Hip is a rich source of Vitamin C, containing between 1,700 and 2,000 milligrams per 100 grams of Rose Hip. Although studies have failed to find conclusive supporting evidence, Vitamin C is believed to provide clinical benefit to users suffering from the common cold and flu. Vitamin C is also known to have a preventive effect on the common cold when taken regularly. Additionally, Rose Hip has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the human body. The present invention includes Rose Hip in the aqueous dietary supplement composition in order to take advantage of its high Vitamin C content and anti-inflammatory effect. In solution, the range of effective Rose Hip concentrations spans from 15 to 75 mg/L and the highest beneficial effect prevails at a concentration of 25 mg/L.

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) plant. The world's most expensive spice by weight, Saffron is native to southwest Asia and is characterized by a bitter taste and an iodoform, or hay-like fragrance caused by the chemicals picrocrocin and safranal. In addition to its wide culinary use, Saffron has also acquired a number of medicinal applications and is prominently featured in the history of traditional healing. Modern studies have discovered immunomodulating, anti-carcinogenic (cancer-suppressing), anti-mutagenic (mutation-preventing), and antioxidant-like properties of Saffron. The present invention makes use of Saffron for its antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties which are effective at Saffron concentrations of between 5 and 50 mg/L. The target Saffron concentration in the aqueous dietary supplement composition is 25 mg/L. According to still another aspect, the aqueous dietary supplement composition comprises extracts of Black Pepper, Cumin, and Ginger. According to this aspect, the aqueous dietary supplement composition may optionally further comprise extracts of Turmeric, Cinnamon, Rose Hip, and Saffron.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the aqueous dietary supplement composition may include one or more sweeteners. Possible sweeteners for use with the present invention include sugar, sugar alcohols, syrup, honey, and molasses. As used in the claims, the term "sugar" is to be understood to refer to any type of culinary sugar including, but not limited to, granulated sugar, white refined sugar, brown sugar, sugar cane, bianco directo, raw sugar, and mill white sugar. The broad term "syrup" is used herein to represent any of the following types of syrup, or combinations thereof: maple syrup, simple syrup, corn syrup, gomme syrup, palm syrup, or birch syrup. Common sugar substitutes, such as saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, neotame, and acesulfame potassium, may alternatively be used as an optional sweetener for embodiments of the present invention. As used in the claims, the term "sugar substitute" shall indicate any of the common sugar substitutes including saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, neotame, and acesulfame potassium.

Embodiments of the present invention may optionally include natural flavorings for taste. The natural flavorings utilized by the present invention may include any types commonly known in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention may optionally include preservatives. The preservatives utilized by the present invention may include any type commonly known in the art. The aqueous dietary supplement compositions of the present invention may be prepared by any suitable preparation method known in the art. A non-limiting, representative example of such a method is hot-water extraction which involves any comminution means, such as slicing or grinding, followed by dissolving the active ingredients in boiling water. Additionally, suitable methods may include an irradiation step following extraction in order to ensure sterility of the end product. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this application are not meant to be limited to any specific method of preparation.

While aspects of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these aspects illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An aqueous composition for alleviating the symptoms of the common cold and flu comprising Black Pepper, Cumin, and Ginger.

2. The aqueous composition of claim 1 , wherein the concentration of Black Pepper is 10-50 mg/L, the concentration of Cumin is 25-100 mg/L, and the concentration of Ginger is 35-100 mg/L.

3. The aqueous composition of claim 1, wherein Black Pepper, Cumin, and Ginger are provided in the form of extracts.

4. The aqueous composition of claim 1 further comprising

Turmeric.

5. The aqueous composition of claim 4, wherein said Ginger and said Turmeric are Fumonisin-free.

6. The aqueous composition of claim 4, wherein the concentration of Black Pepper is 10-50 mg/L, the concentration of Cumin is 25-100 mg/L, the concentration of Ginger is 35-100 mg/L, and the concentration of Turmeric is 500- 3,000 mg/L.

7. The aqueous composition of claim 4, wherein Black Pepper, Cumin, Ginger, and Turmeric are provided in the form of extracts.

8. The aqueous composition of claim 4 further comprising Cinnamon, Rose Hip, and Saffron.

9. The aqueous composition of claim 8, wherein said Ginger and said Turmeric are Fumonisin-free.

10. The aqueous composition of claim 8, wherein the concentration of Black Pepper is 10-50 mg/L, the concentration of Cumin is 25-100 mg/L, the concentration of Ginger is 35-100 mg/L, the concentration of Turmeric is 500-3,000 mg/L, the concentration of Cinnamon is 15-75 mg/L, the concentration of Rose Hip is 15-75 mg/L, and the concentration of Saffron is 5-50 mg/L.

11. The aqueous composition of claim 8, wherein Black Pepper, Cumin, Ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Rose Hip, and Saffron are provided in the form of extracts.

12. The aqueous composition of claim 8, further comprising one or more sweeteners selected from the group consisting of sugar, sugar alcohols, syrup, honey, molasses, and sugar substitutes.

13. The aqueous composition of claim 12, further comprising one or more natural flavorings.

14. The aqueous composition of claim 13, further comprising one or more preservatives.

15. An aqueous composition for alleviating the symptoms of the common cold and flu consisting essentially of water and:

CONSTITUENT CONCENTRATION RANGE

Black Pepper 10-50 mg/L

Cumin 25-100 mg/L

Ginger 35-100 mg/L

Turmeric 500-3,000 mg/L

Cinnamon 15-75 mg/L

Rose Hip 15-75 mg/L

Saffron 5-50 mg/L

16. The aqueous composition of claim 15, wherein the aqueous composition consists of water and:

CONSTITUENT CONCENTRATION RANGE

Black Pepper 10-50 mg/L

Cumin 25-100 mg/L

Ginger 35-100 mg/L

Turmeric 500-3,000 mg/L

Cinnamon 15-75 mg/L

Rose Hip 15-75 mg/L

Saffron 5-50 mg/L

17. The aqueous composition of claim 15, wherein the aqueous composition consisting essentially of water and:

CONSTITUENT CONCENTRATION

Black Pepper 20 mg/L

Cumin 35 mg/L

Ginger 75 mg/L

Turmeric 1,500 mg/L

Cinnamon 25 mg/L

Rose Hip 25 mg/L

Saffron 25 mg/L

18. The aqueous composition of claim 17, wherein the aqueous composition consists of water and:

CONSTITUENT CONCENTRATION

Black Pepper 20 mg/L

Cumin 35 mg/L

Ginger 75 mg/L

Turmeric 1,500 mg/L

Cinnamon 25 mg/L

Rose Hip 25 mg/L

Saffron 25 mg/L