Drug – bio-affecting and body treating compositions – Plant material or plant extract of undetermined constitution... – Containing or obtained from piper
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-09
2001-11-06
Tate, Christopher R. (Department: 1651)
Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions
Plant material or plant extract of undetermined constitution...
Containing or obtained from piper
C424S764000, C424S769000, C424S775000, C424S450000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312736
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to herbal compositions, and more particularly, to herbal compositions for relieving pain associated with headaches, and combinations of such herbal compositions and liposomes to permit delivery of such compositions through a spray applied under the tongue.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
STEPHAN, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,571, relates to methods for producing effervescent tablets containing extract from willow bark. The effervescent tablet acts as a carrier of the active ingredients from the willow bark extract and permits more rapid resorption of the active substances in the body. STEPHAN's method does not teach or suggest combining willow bark extract with other herbal ingredients. In addition, STEPHAN's method is limited to administration of the active ingredients by dissolving an effervescent tablet in water. Nor does Stephen's method teach or suggest the use of liposomes for delivery of willow bark extract in a spray.
SCHWABE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,224, shows a method for producing a dry extract from kava kava of at least 50% by weight. The extract produced by SCHWABE's method is claimed to have good solubility in water and high bioavailability after oral administration. SCHWABE's method is directed only to production of dry extract from kava kava, and does not teach or suggest the use of kava kava extract alone or in combination with other substances, in a formulation to relieve pain. In addition, SCHWABE does not teach or suggest the use of liposomes for delivery of kava kava extract in a spray.
SMITH, U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,540, shows an herbal treatment for improving the appearance of skin comprising oral administration and topical application for valerian root extract. SMITH also discusses uses for feverfew extract, ginger root extract and willow bark extract. SMITH does not disclose, however, the use of combinations of these herbal components for pain relief. In addition, SMITH does not teach or suggest use of liposomes for delivery of herbal treatments in a spray.
GEHO, U.S. Pat. No. 4,377,567, shows the use of lipid membrane structures to carry drugs to the liver for treatment of diabetes or viral hepatitis. GEHO does not teach or suggest the use of liposomes to carry an herbal composition for treatment of headaches.
LAU, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,644, shows a liposome with a strong positive charge that will bind to mucin tissue. LAU is generally directed toward the structure of the liposome, and expressly disclaims the use of liposomes in combination with any particular composition. LAU does not each or suggest the use of liposomes as a carrier for an herbal composition for treatment of headaches.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the above-described drawbacks or disadvantages of the prior art. It is a further object of the present invention to combine white willow bark extract, kava kava extract, and at least one of feverfew and ginger root extract in a composition that provides relief from pain and other symptoms associated with headaches. The composition can be further combined with liposomes to permit delivery of the composition through a spray applied under the tongue.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides, in one aspect, a remedy for pain caused by headaches or migraine headaches. The invention comprises a combination of white willow bark extract, kava kava extract, and at least one of feverfew and ginger root extract. This combination provides the advantage of rapidly relieving pain and reducing symptoms caused by headaches. The herbal composition can be further combined with liposomes, which act as a carrier for the herbal composition and permit delivery through a spray applied under the tongue.
The present invention combines the extracts of white willow bark, kava kava root and at least one of feverfew and ginger root. The extract of white willow bark contains salicinum, which reduces pain caused by headaches. The extract of kava kava root acts as a mild sedative, and induces physical and mental relaxation. Feverfew and/or ginger root extract are included to reduce nausea and upset stomachs that frequently are associated with headaches. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition is comprised of the herbal ingredients in the following approximate proportions relative to each other: about 55% by weight willow bark extract, about 33% by weight feverfew and ginger root extracts, and about 12% by weight kava kava root extract. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in this regard, and the relative amounts of these ingredients can be varied to achieve similar results.
Among the advantages of the invention is that the composition is comprised of ingredients that have a strong direct or indirect effect on the relief of pain and other symptoms caused by headaches. A further advantage of the invention is that it is comprised of all natural ingredients, which are fast-acting in providing relief of pain and other symptoms.
In accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, the combination of herbal ingredients can be further combined with liposomes, which act as a carrier of the herbal composition. Preferably, the resulting combination is delivered through a spray applied under the tongue. Among the advantages of using liposomes to deliver the composition are the resulting rapid absorption of the active ingredients, and the ease of use. In addition, the liposomal spray of the invention can be carried by a person and used when needed to provide pain relief in seconds.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in view of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.
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patent: 4921644 (1990-05-01), Lau
patent: 5171571 (1992-12-01), Stephan et al.
patent: 5296224 (1994-03-01), Schwabe
patent: 5401502 (1995-03-01), Wunderlich et al.
patent: 5512285 (1996-04-01), Wilde
patent: 5869540 (1999-02-01), Smith
patent: 5891465 (1999-04-01), Keller et al.
patent: 96/22774 (1996-08-01), None
patent: 98/39018 (1998-09-01), None
Peirce, A. Am. Pharm. Assoc.—Practical Guide to Herbal Medicines, pp. 320-322 & 373-375, 1998.*
Castleman, M. The Healing Herbs, Rodale Press, PA, pp. 186-189 & 369-371, 1991.*
Product Alert—Alvista Herbal RemeTeas, Migra-Wonder Abstract, Jul. 1996.
Kelly Gregory J.
Perry Ann
Biotech Corporation
Cummings & Lockwood
Tate Christopher R.
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