Patent Description:
Tobacco may be enjoyed in a so-called "smokeless" form. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are employed by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth of the user. Conventional formats for such smokeless tobacco products include moist snuff, snus, and chewing tobacco, which are typically formed almost entirely of particulate, granular, or shredded tobacco, and which are either portioned by the user or presented to the user in individual portions, such as in single-use pouches or sachets. Other traditional forms of smokeless products include compressed or agglomerated forms, such as plugs, tablets, or pellets. Alternative product formats, such as tobacco-containing gums and mixtures of tobacco with other plant materials, are also known. See for example, the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methodologies set forth in <CIT> to <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>, as well as <CIT>.

Smokeless tobacco product configurations that combine tobacco material with various binders and fillers have been proposed more recently, with example product formats including lozenges, pastilles, gels, extruded forms, and the like. See, for example, the types of products described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. <CIT> discloses flavoured moist oral pouched nicotine products comprising triglycerides; <CIT> discloses non-smokeable tobacco products comprising a compound which inhibits sensory irritation during consumption; and <CIT> discloses smokeless tobacco compositions.

All-white snus portions are growing in popularity, and offer a discrete and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional snus. Such modern "white" pouched products may include a bleached tobacco or may be tobacco-free. Products of this type may suffer from certain drawbacks, such as poor product stability that could lead to discoloration of the product and/or undesirable organoleptic characteristics.

The present disclosure generally provides products configured for oral use. The products may be configured to impart a taste when used orally and, additionally or alternatively, may deliver active ingredients to a consumer, such as nicotine. The products and methods of the present disclosure in particular may provide for reduced irritation with use, such as may be associated with the release therefrom of one or more active ingredients and/or flavors.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawing, which are briefly described below. The invention includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-noted embodiments as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed invention, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing, which is not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawing is exemplary only, and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure.

The Figure is a perspective view of a pouched product according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure including a pouch or fleece at least partially filled with a composition for oral use.

The present disclosure provides compositions and products formed therefrom, the compositions and products particularly being configured for oral use. The compositions and products may incorporate one or more components that are effective for retaining a releasable component and then releasing the releasable component at a desired time, such as when in contact with an oral cavity. The compositions and products may include one more ingredients that can increase palatability of one or more ingredients therein that may otherwise cause irritation in the mouth and/or throat during use thereof. In particular, the release of some active ingredients and/or flavors that are desired in oral products may be a source of irritation in at least some consumers, and the present compositions and products may include one or more ingredients effective to reduce irritation in the mouth and/or throat that may arise from the release of such material(s).

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to example embodiments thereof. These example embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference to "dry weight percent" or "dry weight basis" refers to weight on the basis of dry ingredients (i.e., all ingredients except water). Reference to "wet weight" refers to the weight of the mixture including water. Unless otherwise indicated, reference to "weight percent" of a mixture reflects the total wet weight of the mixture (i.e., including water).

The present disclosure provides compositions and products that can include the compositions. More particularly, the compositions may be provided in a variety of forms and, as further described herein, specifically may be provided in a substantially solid form, such as a collection of particles, fibers, or the like. Accordingly, a product may include the composition itself or the composition positioned within a unitizing structure, such as a pouch or the like. In some embodiments, a composition or product as described herein can comprise a carrier/filler and a releasable material, and at least one irritation reducing agent. The compositions and products further may include additional components, including one or more sweeteners.

Compositions as described herein include at least one component that may be characterized as being a carrier component and/or a filler component. In some embodiments, the compositions may include both of a carrier and a filler, and various materials may fulfill the function of both a carrier and a filler. A carrier component according to the present disclosure preferably may be adapted to or configured to retain at least a releasable material as described herein and may, in some embodiments, retain substantially all of the further components of the composition. A filler component may fulfill multiple functions, such as enhancing certain organoleptic properties such as texture and mouthfeel, enhancing cohesiveness or compressibility of the product, and the like. Generally, the filler components are porous and/or particulate materials. In some embodiments, the present compositions may comprise a carrier. In further embodiments, the present compositions may comprise a carrier and a filler. The carrier/filler may be configured in one or more embodiments to absorb and/or adsorb at least a portion of at least one further component of the compositions and products, including but not limited to releasable agents, sweeteners, irritation reducing agents, and the like.

The carrier component and/or a filler component is cellulose-based. For example, suitable particulate components are any non-tobacco plant material or derivative thereof, including cellulose materials derived from such sources. Examples of cellulosic non-tobacco plant material include cereal grains (e.g., maize, oat, barley, rye, buckwheat, and the like), sugar beet (e.g., FIBREX® brand filler available from International Fiber Corporation), bran fiber, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of derivatives of non-tobacco plant material include starches (e.g., from potato, wheat, rice, corn), natural cellulose, and modified cellulosic materials. Additional examples of potential particulate carrier and/or filler components include maltodextrin, dextrose, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, lactose, mannitol, xylitol, and sorbitol. Combinations of materials can also be used.

"Starch" as used herein may refer to pure starch from any source, modified starch, or starch derivatives. Starch is present, typically in granular form, in almost all green plants and in various types of plant tissues and organs (e.g., seeds, leaves, rhizomes, roots, tubers, shoots, fruits, grains, and stems). Starch can vary in composition, as well as in granular shape and size. Often, starch from different sources has different chemical and physical characteristics. A specific starch can be selected for inclusion in the mixture based on the ability of the starch material to impart a specific organoleptic property to composition. Starches derived from various sources can be used. For example, major sources of starch include cereal grains (e.g., rice, wheat, and maize) and root vegetables (e.g., potatoes and cassava). Other examples of sources of starch include acorns, arrowroot, arracacha, bananas, barley, beans (e.g., favas, lentils, mung beans, peas, chickpeas), breadfruit, buckwheat, canna, chestnuts, colacasia, katakuri, kudzu, malanga, millet, oats, oca, Polynesian arrowroot, sago, sorghum, sweet potato, quinoa, rye, tapioca, taro, tobacco, water chestnuts, and yams. Certain starches are modified starches. A modified starch has undergone one or more structural modifications, often designed to alter its high heat properties. Some starches have been developed by genetic modifications, and are considered to be "genetically modified" starches. Other starches are obtained and subsequently modified by chemical, enzymatic, or physical means. For example, modified starches can be starches that have been subjected to chemical reactions, such as esterification, etherification, oxidation, depolymerization (thinning) by acid catalysis or oxidation in the presence of base, bleaching, transglycosylation and depolymerization (e.g., dextrinization in the presence of a catalyst), cross-linking, acetylation, hydroxypropylation, and/or partial hydrolysis. Enzymatic treatment includes subjecting native starches to enzyme isolates or concentrates, microbial enzymes, and/or enzymes native to plant materials, e.g., amylase present in corn kernels to modify corn starch. Other starches are modified by heat treatments, such as pregelatinization, dextrinization, and/or cold water swelling processes. Certain modified starches include monostarch phosphate, distarch glycerol, distarch phosphate esterified with sodium trimetaphosphate, phosphate distarch phosphate, acetylated distarch phosphate, starch acetate esterified with acetic anhydride, starch acetate esterified with vinyl acetate, acetylated distarch adipate, acetylated distarch glycerol, hydroxypropyl starch, hydroxypropyl distarch glycerol, starch sodium octenyl succinate.

In some embodiments, a carrier component and/or a filler component may be a cellulose material or cellulose derivative. One particularly suitable material for use in the products described herein is microcrystalline cellulose ("MCC"). The MCC may be synthetic or semi-synthetic, or it may be obtained entirely from natural celluloses. The MCC may be selected from the group consisting of AVICEL® grades PH-<NUM>, PH-<NUM>, PH-<NUM>, PH-<NUM>, PH-<NUM>, PH-<NUM>, PH-<NUM>, PH-<NUM>, PH-<NUM>, VIVACEL® grades <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and EMOCEL® grades <NUM> and <NUM>, and the like, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, a composition as described herein may comprise MCC as a particulate filler component and/or as a carrier component. The quantity of MCC present in the compositions as described herein may vary according to the desired properties. In some embodiments, a cellulose derivative or a combination of such derivatives in particular may be used in combination with a different carrier component, and this particularly can include cellulose derivatives, such as a cellulose ether (including carboxyalkyl ethers), meaning a cellulose polymer with the hydrogen of one or more hydroxyl groups in the cellulose structure replaced with an alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or aryl group. Non-limiting examples of such cellulose derivatives include methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose ("HPC"), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose ("HPMC"), hydroxyethyl cellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose ("CMC"). In one embodiment, the cellulose derivative is one or more of methylcellulose, HPC, HPMC, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and CMC. In one embodiment, the cellulose derivative is HPC. In some embodiments, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) can be used.

The total amount of carrier component(s) and filler component(s) present in the composition is from <NUM> to <NUM> percent by total weight of the composition, for example, from about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, to about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM> weight percent (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM> weight percent or about <NUM> to about <NUM> weight percent).

In one or more embodiments, a carrier component may be adapted to or configured to substantially surround or envelop further components of the composition. For example, the carrier may be configured as a packet, a pouch, a fleece, or the like, and such structures are further described herein. The term "fleece" may particularly be used herein as a common term for such structures and should not be viewed as limiting the nature of the structure.

A suitable fleece, for example, may be formed of a plurality of fibers. The term "fiber" as used herein includes both fibers of finite length, such as conventional staple fibers and nanofibers, as well as substantially continuous structures, such as continuous filaments, unless otherwise indicated. The fibers can have a substantially round or circular cross section or non-circular cross sections (for example, oval, rectangular, multi-lobed, and the like). The fibers can be provided in a variety of configurations, and the fibers particularly can include multicomponent fibers.

In some embodiments, the fleece can be in the form of a non-woven material. The term "nonwoven" is used herein in reference to fibrous materials, webs, mats, batts, or sheets in which fibers are aligned in an undefined or random orientation. In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers used in forming a fleece may include heat sealable and/or meltable binder fibers. Further aspects of a suitable pouch or fleece are further described below.

A "releasable material" as used herein may refer to any material that is retained by the filler/carrier that is releasable therefrom when in contact with the oral cavity of a consumer. The releasable material preferably is retained with a desired level of stability and/or may be configured for release from the carrier/filler. A wide of variety of releasable materials may be utilized. In some embodiments, a plurality of releasable materials may be used. In some embodiments, different releasable materials may be adapted to or configured to preferentially bond with a specific carrier/filler. For example, at least one releasable material may be adapted to or configured to be bound with a carrier/filler via being absorbed and/or adsorbed into pores of the carrier/filler.

In some embodiments, a releasable material may be an active ingredient. For example, the releasable material may include a single active ingredient or a plurality of active ingredients. If desired, one or more active ingredients may be retained by one or more carrier/filler materials.

As used herein, an "active ingredient" refers to one or more substances belonging to any of the following categories: API (active pharmaceutical ingredient), food additives, natural medicaments, and naturally occurring substances that can have an effect on humans. Example active ingredients include any ingredient known to impact one or more biological functions within the body, such as ingredients that furnish pharmacological activity or other direct effect in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or which affect the structure or any function of the body of humans (e.g., provide a stimulating action on the central nervous system, have an energizing effect, an antipyretic or analgesic action, or an otherwise useful effect on the body). In some embodiments, the active ingredient may be of the type generally referred to as dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, "phytochemicals" or "functional foods. " These types of additives are sometimes defined in the art as encompassing substances typically available from naturally-occurring sources (e.g., botanical materials) that provide one or more advantageous biological effects (e.g., health promotion, disease prevention, or other medicinal properties), but are not classified or regulated as drugs.

Non-limiting examples of active ingredients include those falling in the categories of botanical ingredients, stimulants, amino acids, nicotine components, and/or pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and medicinal ingredients (e.g., vitamins, such as A, B3, B6, B12, and C, and/or cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)). Each of these categories is further described herein below. The particular choice of active ingredients will vary depending upon the desired flavor, texture, and desired characteristics of the particular product.

In certain embodiments, the active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of caffeine, taurine, GABA, theanine, vitamin C, lemon balm extract, ginseng, citicoline, sunflower lecithin, and combinations thereof. For example, the active ingredient can include a combination of caffeine, theanine, and optionally ginseng. In another embodiment, the active ingredient includes a combination of theanine, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), and lemon balm extract. In a further embodiment, the active ingredient includes theanine, theanine and tryptophan, or theanine and one or more B vitamins (e.g., vitamin B6 or B12). In a still further embodiment, the active ingredient includes a combination of caffeine, taurine, and vitamin C.

The particular percentages of active ingredients present will vary depending upon the desired characteristics of the particular product. Typically, an active ingredient or combination thereof is present in a total concentration of at least about <NUM>% by weight of the composition, such as in a range from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. In some embodiments, the active ingredient or combination of active ingredients is present in a concentration from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>% by weight, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the active ingredient or combination of active ingredients is present in a concentration of from about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% , or about <NUM>%, up to about <NUM>% by weight, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Further suitable ranges for specific active ingredients are provided herein below.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a botanical ingredient. As used herein, the term "botanical ingredient" or "botanical" refers to any plant material or fungal-derived material, including plant material in its natural form and plant material derived from natural plant materials, such as extracts or isolates from plant materials or treated plant materials (e.g., plant materials subjected to heat treatment, fermentation, bleaching, or other treatment processes capable of altering the physical and/or chemical nature of the material). For the purposes of the present disclosure, a "botanical" includes, but is not limited to, "herbal materials," which refer to seed-producing plants that do not develop persistent woody tissue and are often valued for their medicinal or sensory characteristics (e.g., teas or tisanes). Reference to botanical material as "non-tobacco" is intended to exclude tobacco materials (i.e., does not include any Nicotiαnα species). In some embodiments, the compositions as disclosed herein can be characterized as free of any tobacco material (e.g., any embodiment as disclosed herein may be completely or substantially free of any tobacco material). By "substantially free" is meant that no tobacco material has been intentionally added. For example, certain embodiments can be characterized as having less than <NUM>% by weight of tobacco, or less than <NUM>%, or even <NUM>% by weight of tobacco.

When present, a botanical is typically at a concentration of from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>% by weight, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>% w/w, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

The botanical materials useful in the present disclosure may comprise, without limitation, any of the compounds and sources set forth herein, including mixtures thereof. Certain botanical materials of this type are sometimes referred to as dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, "phytochemicals" or "functional foods. " Certain botanicals, as the plant material or an extract thereof, have found use in traditional herbal medicine, and are described further herein. Non-limiting examples of botanicals or botanical-derived materials include ashwagandha, Bacopa monniera, baobab, basil, Centella asiatica, Chai-hu, chamomile, cherry blossom, chlorophyll, cinnamon, citrus, cloves, cocoa, cordyceps, curcumin, damiana, Dorstenia αrifoliα, Dorstenia odorata, essential oils, eucalyptus, fennel, Galphimia glauca, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, ginseng (e.g., Panax ginseng), green tea, Griffonia simplicifolia, guarana, cannabis, hemp, hops, jasmine, Kaempferia parviflora (Thai ginseng), kava, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, licorice, lutein, maca, matcha, Nardostachys chinensis, oil-based extract of Viola odorata, peppermint, quercetin, resveratrol, Rhizoma gastrodiae, Rhodiola, rooibos, rose essential oil, rosemary, Sceletium tortuosum, Schisandra, Skullcap, spearmint extract, Spikenard, terpenes, tisanes, turmeric, Turnerα aphrodisiaca, valerian, white mulberry, and Yerba mate.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises lemon balm. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a mildly lemon-scented herb from the same family as mint (Lamiaceae). The herb is native to Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. The tea of lemon balm, as well as the essential oil and the extract, are used in traditional and alternative medicine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises lemon balm extract. In some embodiments, the lemon balm extract is present in an amount of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises ginseng. Ginseng is the root of plants of the genus Panax, which are characterized by the presence of unique steroid saponin phytochemicals (ginsenosides) and gintonin. Ginseng finds use as a dietary supplement in energy drinks or herbal teas, and in traditional medicine. Cultivated species include Korean ginseng (P. ginseng), South China ginseng (P. notoginseng), and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius). American ginseng and Korean ginseng vary in the type and quantity of various ginsenosides present. In some embodiments, the ginseng is American ginseng or Korean ginseng. In specific embodiments, the active ingredient comprises Korean ginseng. In some embodiments, ginseng is present in an amount of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises one or more stimulants. As used herein, the term "stimulant" refers to a material that increases activity of the central nervous system and/or the body, for example, enhancing focus, cognition, vigor, mood, alertness, and the like. Non-limiting examples of stimulants include caffeine, theacrine, theobromine, and theophylline. Theacrine (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-tetramethyluric acid) is a purine alkaloid which is structurally related to caffeine, and possesses stimulant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Present stimulants may be natural, naturally derived, or wholly synthetic. For example, certain botanical materials (guarana, tea, coffee, cocoa, and the like) may possess a stimulant effect by virtue of the presence of e.g., caffeine or related alkaloids, and accordingly are "natural" stimulants. By "naturally derived" is meant the stimulant (e.g., caffeine, theacrine) is in a purified form, outside its natural (e.g., botanical) matrix. For example, caffeine can be obtained by extraction and purification from botanical sources (e.g., tea). By "wholly synthetic", it is meant that the stimulant has been obtained by chemical synthesis. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises caffeine. In some embodiments, the caffeine is present in an encapsulated form. On example of an encapsulated caffeine is Vitashure®, available from Balchem Corp. , <NUM> Sunrise Park Road, New Hampton, NY, <NUM>.

When present, a stimulant or combination of stimulants (e.g., caffeine, theacrine, and combinations thereof) is typically at a concentration of from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>% by weight, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>% w/w, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the composition comprises caffeine in an amount of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition;.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises an amino acid. As used herein, the term "amino acid" refers to an organic compound that contains amine (-NH<NUM>) and carboxyl (-COOH) or sulfonic acid (SO<NUM>H) functional groups, along with a side chain (R group), which is specific to each amino acid. Amino acids may be proteinogenic or non-proteinogenic. By "proteinogenic" is meant that the amino acid is one of the twenty naturally occurring amino acids found in proteins. The proteinogenic amino acids include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine. By "non-proteinogenic" is meant that either the amino acid is not found naturally in protein, or is not directly produced by cellular machinery (e.g., is the product of post-tranlational modification). Non-limiting examples of non-proteinogenic amino acids include gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), taurine (<NUM>-aminoethanesulfonic acid), theanine (L-γ-glutamylethylamide), hydroxyproline, and beta-alanine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises theanine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises GABA. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a combination of theanine and GABA. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of theanine, GABA, and lemon balm. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of caffeine, theanine, and ginseng. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises taurine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of caffeine and taurine.

When present, an amino acid or combination of amino acids (e.g., theanine, GABA, and combinations thereof) is typically at a concentration of from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>% by weight, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>% w/w, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a vitamin or combination of vitamins. As used herein, the term "vitamin" refers to an organic molecule (or related set of molecules) that is an essential micronutrient needed for the proper functioning of metabolism in a mammal. There are thirteen vitamins required by human metabolism, which are: vitamin A (as all-trans-retinol, all-trans-retinyl-esters, as well as all-trans-beta-carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B9 (folic acid or folate), vitamin B12 (cobalamins), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D (calciferols), vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols), and vitamin K (quinones). In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises vitamin C. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of vitamin C, caffeine, and taurine.

When present, a vitamin or combination of vitamins (e.g., vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C, or a combination thereof) is typically at a concentration of from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>% by weight, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% w/w, to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% , or about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises one or more antioxidants. As used herein, the term "antioxidant" refers to a substance which prevents or suppresses oxidation by terminating free radical reactions, and may delay or prevent some types of cellular damage. Antioxidants may be naturally occurring or synthetic. Naturally occurring antioxidants include those found in foods and botanical materials. Non-limiting examples of antioxidants include certain botanical materials, vitamins, polyphenols, and phenol derivatives.

Examples of botanical materials which are associated with antioxidant characteristics include without limitation acai berry, alfalfa, allspice, annatto seed, apricot oil, basil, bee balm, wild bergamot, black pepper, blueberries, borage seed oil, bugleweed, cacao, calamus root, catnip, catuaba, cayenne pepper, chaga mushroom, chervil, cinnamon, dark chocolate, potato peel, grape seed, ginseng, gingko biloba, Saint John's Wort, saw palmetto, green tea, black tea, black cohosh, cayenne, chamomile, cloves, cocoa powder, cranberry, dandelion, grapefruit, honeybush, echinacea, garlic, evening primrose, feverfew, ginger, goldenseal, hawthorn, hibiscus flower, jiaogulan, kava, lavender, licorice, marjoram, milk thistle, mints (menthe), oolong tea, beet root, orange, oregano, papaya, pennyroyal, peppermint, red clover, rooibos (red or green), rosehip, rosemary, sage, clary sage, savory, spearmint, spirulina, slippery elm bark, sorghum bran hi-tannin, sorghum grain hi-tannin, sumac bran, comfrey leaf and root, goji berries, gutu kola, thyme, turmeric, uva ursi, valerian, wild yam root, wintergreen, yacon root, yellow dock, yerba mate, yerba santa, bacopa monniera, withania somnifera, Lion's mane, and silybum marianum. Such botanical materials may be provided in fresh or dry form, essential oils, or may be in the form of an extracts. The botanical materials (as well as their extracts) often include compounds from various classes known to provide antioxidant effects, such as minerals, vitamins, isoflavones, phytoesterols, allyl sulfides, dithiolthiones, isothiocyanates, indoles, lignans, flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Examples of compounds found in botanical extracts or oils include ascorbic acid, peanut endocarb, resveratrol, sulforaphane, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, coenzyme Q, carnitine, quercetin, kaempferol, and the like. See, e.g., <NPL>.

Non-limiting examples of other suitable antioxidants include citric acid, Vitamin E or a derivative thereof, a tocopherol, epicatechol, epigallocatechol, epigallocatechol gallate, erythorbic acid, sodium erythorbate, <NUM>-hexylresorcinol, theaflavin, theaflavin monogallate A or B, theaflavin digallate, phenolic acids, glycosides, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, hyperoside, polyphenols, catechols, resveratrols, oleuropein, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), and combinations thereof.

When present, an antioxidant is typically at a concentration of from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>% by weight, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% w/w, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, based on the total weight of the composition.

In certain embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a nicotine component. By "nicotine component" is meant any suitable form of nicotine (e.g., free base or salt) for providing oral absorption of at least a portion of the nicotine present. Typically, the nicotine component is selected from the group consisting of nicotine free base and a nicotine salt. In some embodiments, nicotine is in its free base form, which easily can be adsorbed in for example, a microcrystalline cellulose material to form a microcrystalline cellulose-nicotine carrier complex. See, for example, the discussion of nicotine in free base form in <CIT>.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nicotine can be employed in the form of a salt. Salts of nicotine can be provided using the types of ingredients and techniques set forth in <CIT> and <NPL>). Additionally, salts of nicotine are available from sources such as Pfaltz and Bauer, Inc. and K&K Laboratories, Division of ICN Biochemicals, Inc. Typically, the nicotine component is selected from the group consisting of nicotine free base, a nicotine salt such as hydrochloride, dihydrochloride, monotartrate, bitartrate, sulfate, salicylate, and nicotine zinc chloride. In some embodiments, the nicotine component or a portion thereof is a nicotine salt. A nicotine salt is a form of nicotine characterized by the interaction between nicotine in ionic form and a co-former in ionic form (e.g., an acid) via the transfer of one or more protons from the co-former donor to the nicotine acceptor. The structure of nicotine is such that it comprises two nitrogen atoms that are capable of accepting protons from a co-former and, accordingly, it can be present in non-protonated, mono- protonated, and/or di-protonated form in a given sample. Protonated nicotine therefore is a non-limiting example of a positively charged active ingredient that may be combined with a carrier/filler including negatively charged groups thereon.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the nicotine can be in the form of a resin complex of nicotine, where nicotine is bound in an ion-exchange resin, such as nicotine polacrilex, which is nicotine bound to, for example, a polymethacrilic acid, such as Amberlite IRP64, Purolite C115HMR, or Doshion P551. See, for example, <CIT>. Another example is a nicotine-polyacrylic carbomer complex, such as with Carbopol 974P. In some embodiments, nicotine may be present in the form of a nicotine polyacrylic complex.

Typically, the nicotine component (calculated as the free base or as the protonated form) when present, is in a concentration of at least about <NUM>% by weight of the mixture, such as in a range from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. In some embodiments, the nicotine component is present in a concentration from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>% by weight, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>% w/w, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the mixture. In some embodiments, the nicotine component is present in a concentration from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>% by weight, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the mixture. These ranges can also apply to other active ingredients noted herein.

In some embodiments, the products or compositions of the disclosure can be characterized as free of any nicotine component (e.g., any embodiment as disclosed herein may be completely or substantially free of any nicotine component). By "substantially free" is meant that no nicotine has been intentionally added, beyond trace amounts that may be naturally present in e.g., a botanical material. For example, certain embodiments can be characterized as having less than <NUM>% by weight of nicotine, or less than <NUM>%, or even <NUM>% by weight of nicotine, calculated as the free base.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises a nicotine component (e.g., any product or composition of the disclosure, in addition to comprising any active ingredient or combination of active ingredients as disclosed herein, may further comprise a nicotine component).

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises one or more cannabinoids. As used herein, the term "cannabinoid" refers to a class of diverse chemical compounds that acts on cannabinoid receptors, also known as the endocannabinoid system, in cells that alter neurotransmitter release in the brain. Ligands for these receptor proteins include the endocannabinoids produced naturally in the body by animals; phytocannabinoids, found in cannabis; and synthetic cannabinoids, manufactured artificially. Cannabinoids found in cannabis include, without limitation: cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A). In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid is selected from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and cannabidiol (CBD) another major constituent of the plant, but which is devoid of psychoactivity. All of the above compounds can be used in the form of an isolate from plant material or synthetically derived.

Alternatively, the active ingredient can be a cannabimimetic, which is a class of compounds derived from plants other than cannabis that have biological effects on the endocannabinoid system similar to cannabinoids. Examples include yangonin, alpha-amyrin or beta-amyrin (also classified as terpenes), cyanidin, curcumin (tumeric), catechin, quercetin, salvinorin A, N-acylethanolamines, and N-alkylamide lipids.

When present, a cannabinoid (e.g., CBD) or cannabimimetic is typically in a concentration of at least about <NUM>% by weight of the composition, such as in a range from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

Active ingredients suitable for use in the present disclosure can also be classified as terpenes, many of which are associated with biological effects, such as calming effects. Terpenes are understood to have the general formula of (C<NUM>H<NUM>)n and include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. Terpenes can be acyclic, monocyclic or bicyclic in structure. Some terpenes provide an entourage effect when used in combination with cannabinoids or cannabimimetics. Examples include beta-caryophyllene, linalool, limonene, beta-citronellol, linalyl acetate, pinene (alpha or beta), geraniol, carvone, eucalyptol, menthone, iso-menthone, piperitone, myrcene, beta-bourbonene, and germacrene, which may be used singly or in combination.

In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The API can be any known agent adapted for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic use. These can include, for example, synthetic organic compounds, proteins and peptides, polysaccharides and other sugars, lipids, phospholipids, inorganic compounds (e.g., magnesium, selenium, zinc, nitrate), neurotransmitters or precursors thereof (e.g., serotonin, <NUM>-hydroxytryptophan, oxitriptan, acetylcholine, dopamine, melatonin), and nucleic acid sequences, having therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic activity. Non-limiting examples of APIs include analgesics and antipyretics (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, <NUM>-(<NUM>-isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid), phosphatidylserine, myoinositol, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, Omega-<NUM>), arachidonic acid (AA, Omega-<NUM>), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), citicoline (cytidine-<NUM>'-diphosphate-choline), and cotinine. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises ciricoline. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of citicoline, caffeine, theanine, and ginseng. In some embodiments, the active ingredient comprises sunflower lecithin. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a combination of sunflower lecithin, caffeine, theanine, and ginseng.

The amount of API may vary. For example, when present, an API is typically at a concentration of from about <NUM>% w/w to about <NUM>% by weight, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% w/w, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the composition is substantially free of any API. By "substantially free of any API" means that the composition does not contain, and specifically excludes, the presence of any API as defined herein, such as any Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved therapeutic agent intended to treat any medical condition.

In some embodiments, a releasable material may be a flavoring agent. As used herein, a "flavoring agent" or "flavorant" is any flavorful or aromatic substance capable of altering the sensory characteristics associated with the oral product. Examples of sensory characteristics that can be modified by the flavoring agent include taste, mouthfeel, moistness, coolness/heat, and/or fragrance/aroma. Flavoring agents may be natural or synthetic, and the character of the flavors imparted thereby may be described, without limitation, as fresh, sweet, herbal, confectionary, floral, fruity, or spicy. In some embodiments, the releasable material may include a single flavoring agent or a plurality of flavoring agents. If desired, one or more flavoring agents may be retained by one or more carrier/filler materials as described herein.

Non-limiting examples of flavoring agents that may be used as a releasable material herein and/or be otherwise included within the present compositions and/or products can include vanilla, coffee, chocolate/cocoa, cream, mint, spearmint, menthol, peppermint, wintergreen, eucalyptus, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cascarilla, sandalwood, honey, jasmine, ginger, anise, sage, licorice, lemon, orange, apple, peach, lime, cherry, strawberry, trigeminal sensates, terpenes, and any combinations thereof. See also, <NPL>). Flavoring agents may comprise components such as terpenes, terpenoids, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and the like. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent is a trigeminal sensate. As used herein, "trigeminal sensate" refers to a flavoring agent which has an effect on the trigeminal nerve, producing sensations including heating, cooling, tingling, and the like. Non-limiting examples of trigeminal sensate flavoring agents include capsaicin, citric acid, menthol, Sichuan buttons, erythritol, and cubebol. Flavorings also may include components that are considered moistening, cooling or smoothening agents, such as eucalyptus. These flavors may be provided neat (i.e., alone) or in a composite, and may be employed as concentrates or flavor packages (e.g., spearmint and menthol, orange and cinnamon; lime, pineapple, and the like). Representative types of components also are set forth in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. In some instances, the flavoring agent may be provided in a spray-dried form or a liquid form.

The flavoring agent generally comprises at least one volatile flavor component. As used herein, "volatile" refers to a chemical substance that forms a vapor readily at ambient temperatures (i.e., a chemical substance that has a high vapor pressure at a given temperature relative to a nonvolatile substance). Typically, a volatile flavor component has a molecular weight below about <NUM> Da, and often include at least one carbon-carbon double bond, carbon-oxygen double bond, or both. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile flavor component comprises one or more alcohols, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, terpenes, terpenoids, or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of aldehydes include vanillin, ethyl vanillin, p-anisaldehyde, hexanal, furfural, isovaleraldehyde, cuminaldehyde, benzaldehyde, and citronellal. Non-limiting examples of ketones include <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-propanone and <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-cyclopentenone-<NUM>-one. Non-limiting examples of esters include allyl hexanoate, ethyl heptanoate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate, and <NUM>-methylbutyl acetate. Non-limiting examples of terpenes include sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-farnesene, nerolidol, thujone, myrcene, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalool, and eucalyptol. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile flavor component comprises one or more of ethyl vanillin, cinnamaldehyde, sabinene, limonene, gamma-terpinene, beta-farnesene, or citral. In one embodiment, the at least one volatile flavor component comprises ethyl vanillin.

The amount of flavoring agent utilized in the mixture can vary, but is typically up to about <NUM> weight percent, and certain embodiments are characterized by a flavoring agent content of at least about <NUM> weight percent, such as about <NUM> to about <NUM> weight percent, about <NUM> to about <NUM> weight percent, or about <NUM> to about <NUM> weight percent, based on the total weight of the mixture.

The present compositions and products may comprise one or more irritation reducing agents. Such agents preferably are a compound or other material that is effective to provide a soothing feeling in the mouth and/or throat of a consumer that is sufficient to at least partially counteract and/or override any irritation caused by the release of an active ingredient and/or flavoring agent present in the composition or product. For example, the release of nicotine in the mouth and/or throat may be an irritant. Other active ingredients and even strong flavoring agents may likewise be desired for oral delivery, and such delivery can be improved through the inclusion of one or more irritation reducing agents as discussed herein.

The irritation reducing agent is a non-sugar sweetener , xylitol, sorbitol, clove oil, eugenol, camphor, cocoa extract or glycerine and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, suitable irritation reducing agents may include demulcents, analgesics, topical anesthetics, and the like. Any of the foregoing materials, separately or in combination, may be utilized as an irritation reducing agent.

The amount of irritation reducing agent incorporated within the present compositions and products can vary and is typically an amount effective to provide the noted effects (e.g., an amount effective to provide a more soothing effect relative to a comparable composition/product without such irritation reducing agent). In some embodiments, the amount of irritation reducing agent is present in an amount of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, e.g., about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, preferred amounts of the irritation reducing agent within a given composition may vary depending upon the selected agent. For example, in some embodiments, the irritation reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of xylitol, sorbitol, glycerin, and any combination thereof, present in a total amount of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, e.g., about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the irritation reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of camphor, clove oil, eugenol, and any combination thereof, present in a total amount of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, e.g., about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the irritation reducing agent is coco extract, present in an amount of about <NUM> % to about <NUM>% by weight, e.g., about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. In further embodiments, the irritation reducing agent is vegetable oil, present in an amount of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, e.g., about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the present compositions and/or products may include a tobacco material. The tobacco material can vary in species, type, and form. Generally, the tobacco material is obtained from for a harvested plant of the Nicotiαnα species. Example Nicotiana species include N. tabacum, N. rustic a, N. arentsii, N. excelsior, N. forgetiana, N. glutinosa, N. kawakamii, N. knightiana, N. langsdorffi, N. otophora, N. setchelli, N. sylvestris, N. tomentosa, N. tomentosiformis, N. undulata, N. x sanderae, N. africana, N. amplexicaulis, N. benavidesii, N. bonariensis, N. debneyi, N. longiflora, N. maritina, N. megalosiphon, N. occidentalis, N. paniculata, N. plumbaginifolia, N. raimondii, N. rosulata, N. simulans, N. stocktonii, N. suaveolens, N. umbratica, N. velutina, N. wigandioides, N. acaulis, N. acuminata, N. attenuata, N. benthamiana, N. cavicola, N. clevelandii, N. cordifolia, N. corymbosa, N. fragrans, N. goodspeedii, N. linearis, N. miersii, N. nudicaulis, N. obtusifolia, N. occidentalis subsp. Hersperis, N. pauciflora, N. petunioides, N. quadrivalvis, N. repanda, N. rotundifolia, N. solanifolia, and N. spegazzinii. Various representative other types of plants from the Nicotiana species are set forth in <NPL>); <CIT>; <CIT>, <CIT>; <CIT>and <CIT>. Descriptions of various types of tobaccos, growing practices and harvesting practices are set forth in <NPL>).

Nicotiana species from which suitable tobacco materials can be obtained can be derived using genetic-modification or crossbreeding techniques (e.g., tobacco plants can be genetically engineered or crossbred to increase or decrease production of components, characteristics or attributes). See, for example, the types of generic modifications of plants set forth in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT> and <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT> See, also, the types of tobaccos that are set forth in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

The Nicotiαnα species can, in some embodiments, be selected for the content of various compounds that are present therein. For example, plants can be selected on the basis that those plants produce relatively high quantities of one or more of the compounds desired to be isolated therefrom. In certain embodiments, plants of the Nicotiαnα species (e.g., Galpao commun tobacco) are specifically grown for their abundance of leaf surface compounds. Tobacco plants can be grown in greenhouses, growth chambers, or outdoors in fields, or grown hydroponically.

Various parts or portions of the plant of the Nicotiana species can be included within a mixture as disclosed herein. For example, virtually all of the plant (e.g., the whole plant) can be harvested, and employed as such. Alternatively, various parts or pieces of the plant can be harvested or separated for further use after harvest. For example, the flower, leaves, stem, stalk, roots, seeds, and various combinations thereof, can be isolated for further use or treatment. In some embodiments, the tobacco material comprises tobacco leaf (lamina). The mixture disclosed herein can include processed tobacco parts or pieces, cured and aged tobacco in essentially natural lamina and/or stem form, a tobacco extract, extracted tobacco pulp (e.g., using water as a solvent), or a mixture of the foregoing (e.g., a mixture that combines extracted tobacco pulp with granulated cured and aged natural tobacco lamina).

In certain embodiments, the tobacco material comprises solid tobacco material selected from the group consisting of lamina and stems. The tobacco that is used for the mixture most preferably includes tobacco lamina, or a tobacco lamina and stem mixture (of which at least a portion is smoke-treated). Portions of the tobaccos within the mixture may have processed forms, such as processed tobacco stems (e.g., cut-rolled stems, cut-rolled-expanded stems or cut-puffed stems), or volume expanded tobacco (e.g., puffed tobacco, such as dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET)). See, for example, the tobacco expansion processes set forth in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; and <CIT>. In addition, the d mixture optionally may incorporate tobacco that has been fermented. See, also, the types of tobacco processing techniques set forth in <CIT>.

The tobacco material is typically used in a form that can be described as particulate (i.e., shredded, ground, granulated, or powder form). The manner by which the tobacco material is provided in a finely divided or powder type of form may vary. Preferably, plant parts or pieces are comminuted, ground or pulverized into a particulate form using equipment and techniques for grinding, milling, or the like. Most preferably, the plant material is relatively dry in form during grinding or milling, using equipment such as hammer mills, cutter heads, air control mills, or the like. For example, tobacco parts or pieces may be ground or milled when the moisture content thereof is less than about <NUM> weight percent or less than about <NUM> weight percent. Most preferably, the tobacco material is employed in the form of parts or pieces that have an average particle size between <NUM> millimeters and <NUM> microns. In some instances, the tobacco particles may be sized to pass through a screen mesh to obtain the particle size range required. If desired, air classification equipment may be used to ensure that small sized tobacco particles of the desired sizes, or range of sizes, may be collected. If desired, differently sized pieces of granulated tobacco may be mixed together.

The manner by which the tobacco is provided in a finely divided or powder type of form may vary. Preferably, tobacco parts or pieces are comminuted, ground or pulverized into a powder type of form using equipment and techniques for grinding, milling, or the like. Most preferably, the tobacco is relatively dry in form during grinding or milling, using equipment such as hammer mills, cutter heads, air control mills, or the like. For example, tobacco parts or pieces may be ground or milled when the moisture content thereof is less than about <NUM> weight percent to less than about <NUM> weight percent. For example, the tobacco plant or portion thereof can be separated into individual parts or pieces (e.g., the leaves can be removed from the stems, and/or the stems and leaves can be removed from the stalk). The harvested plant or individual parts or pieces can be further subdivided into parts or pieces (e.g., the leaves can be shredded, cut, comminuted, pulverized, milled or ground into pieces or parts that can be characterized as filler-type pieces, granules, particulates or fine powders). The plant, or parts thereof, can be subjected to external forces or pressure (e.g., by being pressed or subjected to roll treatment). When carrying out such processing conditions, the plant or portion thereof can have a moisture content that approximates its natural moisture content (e.g., its moisture content immediately upon harvest), a moisture content achieved by adding moisture to the plant or portion thereof, or a moisture content that results from the drying of the plant or portion thereof. For example, powdered, pulverized, ground or milled pieces of plants or portions thereof can have moisture contents of less than about <NUM> weight percent, often less than about <NUM> weight percent, and frequently less than about <NUM> weight percent.

For the preparation of oral products, it is typical for a harvested plant of the Nicotiαnα species to be subjected to a curing process. The tobacco materials incorporated within the mixture for inclusion within products as disclosed herein are those that have been appropriately cured and/or aged. Descriptions of various types of curing processes for various types of tobaccos are set forth in<NPL>). Examples of techniques and conditions for curing flue-cured tobacco are set forth in <NPL>) and <CIT>. Representative techniques and conditions for air curing tobacco are set forth in <CIT>; <NPL>) and<NPL>). Certain types of tobaccos can be subjected to alternative types of curing processes, such as fire curing or sun curing.

In certain embodiments, tobacco materials that can be employed include flue-cured or Virginia (e.g., K326), burley, sun-cured (e.g., Indian Kurnool and Oriental tobaccos, including Katerini, Prelip, Komotini, Xanthi and Yambol tobaccos), Maryland, dark, dark-fired, dark air cured (e.g., Madole, Passanda, Cubano, Jatin and Bezuki tobaccos), light air cured (e.g., North Wisconsin and Galpao tobaccos), Indian air cured, Red Russian and Rustica tobaccos, as well as various other rare or specialty tobaccos and various blends of any of the foregoing tobaccos.

The tobacco material may also have a so-called "blended" form. For example, the tobacco material may include a mixture of parts or pieces of flue-cured, burley (e.g., Malawi burley tobacco) and Oriental tobaccos (e.g., as tobacco composed of, or derived from, tobacco lamina, or a mixture of tobacco lamina and tobacco stem). For example, a representative blend may incorporate about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts burley tobacco (e.g., lamina, or lamina and stem), and about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts flue cured tobacco (e.g., stem, lamina, or lamina and stem) on a dry weight basis. Other example tobacco blends incorporate about <NUM> parts flue-cured tobacco, about <NUM> parts burley tobacco, and about <NUM> parts Oriental tobacco; or about <NUM> parts flue-cured tobacco, about <NUM> parts burley tobacco, and about <NUM> parts Oriental tobacco; or about <NUM> parts flue-cured tobacco, about <NUM> parts burley tobacco, and about <NUM> parts Oriental tobacco; on a dry weight basis. Other example tobacco blends incorporate about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts Oriental tobacco and about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts flue-cured tobacco on a dry weight basis.

Tobacco materials used in the present disclosure can be subjected to, for example, fermentation, bleaching, and the like. If desired, the tobacco materials can be, for example, irradiated, pasteurized, or otherwise subjected to controlled heat treatment. Such treatment processes are detailed, for example, in <CIT>. In certain embodiments, tobacco materials can be treated with water and an additive capable of inhibiting reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide upon heating of the tobacco material (e.g., an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, cysteine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, compositions incorporating di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, certain non-reducing saccharides, certain reducing agents, phenolic compounds, certain compounds having at least one free thiol group or functionality, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, natural plant extracts (e.g., rosemary extract), and combinations thereof. See, for example, the types of treatment processes described in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. In certain embodiments, this type of treatment is useful where the original tobacco material is subjected to heat in the processes previously described.

In some embodiments, the type of tobacco material is selected such that it is initially visually lighter in color than other tobacco materials to some degree (e.g., whitened or bleached). Tobacco pulp can be whitened in certain embodiments according to any means known in the art. For example, bleached tobacco material produced by various whitening methods using various bleaching or oxidizing agents and oxidation catalysts can be used. Example oxidizing agents include peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), chlorite salts, chlorate salts, perchlorate salts, hypochlorite salts, ozone, ammonia, potassium permanganate, and combinations thereof. Example oxidation catalysts are titanium dioxide, manganese dioxide, and combinations thereof. Processes for treating tobacco with bleaching agents are discussed, for example, in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and<CIT>; as well as in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>, and in<CIT>and <CIT>.

In some embodiments, the whitened tobacco material can have an ISO brightness of at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, or at least about <NUM>%. In some embodiments, the whitened tobacco material can have an ISO brightness in the range of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. ISO brightness can be measured according to ISO <NUM>:<NUM> or ISO <NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM>.

In some embodiments, the whitened tobacco material can be characterized as lightened in color (e.g., "whitened") in comparison to an untreated tobacco material. White colors are often defined with reference to the International Commission on Illumination's (CIE's) chromaticity diagram. The whitened tobacco material can, in certain embodiments, be characterized as closer on the chromaticity diagram to pure white than an untreated tobacco material.

In various embodiments, the tobacco material can be treated to extract a soluble component of the tobacco material therefrom. "Tobacco extract" as used herein refers to the isolated components of a tobacco material that are extracted from solid tobacco pulp by a solvent that is brought into contact with the tobacco material in an extraction process. Various extraction techniques of tobacco materials can be used to provide a tobacco extract and tobacco solid material. See, for example, the extraction processes described in <CIT>. Other example techniques for extracting components of tobacco are described in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>;<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and<CIT>.

Typical inclusion ranges for tobacco materials can vary depending on the nature and type of the tobacco material, and the intended effect on the final mixture, with an example range of up to about <NUM>% by weight (or up to about <NUM>% by weight or up to about <NUM>% by weight or up to about <NUM>% by weight), based on total weight of the mixture (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight). In some embodiments, the products of the disclosure can be characterized as completely free or substantially free of tobacco material (other than purified nicotine as an active ingredient). For example, certain embodiments can be characterized as having less than <NUM>% by weight, or less than <NUM>% by weight, or less than <NUM>% by weight of tobacco material, or <NUM>% by weight of tobacco material. In some embodiments, a composition or product according to the present disclosure may comprise no more than about <NUM>% by weight of a tobacco material, excluding any nicotine component present, based on the total weight of the mixture.

In some embodiments, one or more further additives can be included in the disclosed compositions and/or products. For example, the compositions can be processed, blended, formulated, combined and/or mixed with other materials or ingredients. The additives can be artificial, or can be obtained or derived from herbal or biological sources. Specific types of further additives that may be included are further described below.

In some embodiments, the compositions and products may include a content of water. The water content of the composition within the product, prior to use by a consumer of the product, may vary according to the desired properties. Typically, the composition, as present within the product prior to insertion into the mouth of the user, can comprise less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, or less than <NUM>% by weight of water. For example, total water content in the composition and/or product may be in the range of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight of water. In some embodiments, the compositions and products may include at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% by weight water.

In some embodiments, the compositions and products may include a content of one or more organic acids. As used herein, the term "organic acid" refers to an organic (i.e., carbon-based) compound that is characterized by acidic properties. Typically, organic acids are relatively weak acids (i.e., they do not dissociate completely in the presence of water), such as carboxylic acids (-CO<NUM>H) or sulfonic acids (-SO<NUM>OH). As used herein, reference to organic acid means an organic acid that is intentionally added. In this regard, an organic acid may be intentionally added as a specific ingredient as opposed to merely being inherently present as a component of another ingredient (e.g., the small amount of organic acid which may inherently be present in an ingredient such as a tobacco material). In some embodiments, the one or more organic acids are added neat (i.e., in their free acid, native solid or liquid form) or as a solution in, e.g., water. In some embodiments, the one or more organic acids are added in the form of a salt, as described herein below.

In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl carboxylic acid. Non-limiting examples of alkyl carboxylic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and the like. In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl sulfonic acid. Non-limiting examples of alkyl sulfonic acids include propanesulfonic acid and octanesulfonic acid. In some embodiments, the alkyl carboxylic or sulfonic acid is substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups. Non-limiting examples include glycolic acid, <NUM>-hydroxybutyric acid, and lactic acid. In some embodiments, an organic acid may include more than one carboxylic acid group or more than one sulfonic acid group (e.g., two, three, or more carboxylic acid groups). Non-limiting examples include oxalic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, and glutaric acid. In organic acids containing multiple carboxylic acids (e.g., from two to four carboxylic acid groups), one or more of the carboxylic acid groups may be esterified. Non-limiting examples include succinic acid monoethyl ester, monomethyl fumarate, monomethyl or dimethyl citrate, and the like.

In some embodiments, the organic acid may include more than one carboxylic acid group and one or more hydroxyl groups. Non-limiting examples of such acids include tartaric acid, citric acid, and the like. In some embodiments, the organic acid is an aryl carboxylic acid or an aryl sulfonic acid. Non-limiting examples of aryl carboxylic and sulfonic acids include benzoic acid, toluic acids, salicylic acid, benzene sulfonic acid, and p-toluenesulfonic acid. In some embodiments, the organic acid is citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, octanoic acid, benzoic acid, a toluic acid, salicylic acid, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the organic acid is benzoic acid. In some embodiments, the organic acid is citric acid. In alternative embodiments, a portion, or even all, of the organic acid may be added in the form of a salt with an alkaline component, which may include, but is not limited to, nicotine. Non-limiting examples of suitable salts, e.g., for nicotine, include formate, acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate, alpha-methylbutyate, isovalerate, beta-methylvalerate, caproate, <NUM>-furoate, phenylacetate, heptanoate, octanoate, nonanoate, oxalate, malonate, glycolate, benzoate, tartrate, levulinate, ascorbate, fumarate, citrate, malate, lactate, aspartate, salicylate, tosylate, succinate, pyruvate, and the like.

The amount of organic acid present in the compositions may vary. Generally, the compositions can comprise from <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight of organic acid, present as one or more organic acids, based on the total weight of the mixture.

In some embodiments, the compositions may further comprise a salt (e.g., alkali metal salts), typically employed in an amount sufficient to provide desired sensory attributes to the compositions and products. Non-limiting examples of suitable salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, flour salt, and the like. When present, a representative amount of salt is about <NUM> percent by weight or more, about <NUM> percent by weight or more, or at about <NUM> percent by weight or more, but will typically make up about <NUM> percent or less of the total weight of the composition or product, or about <NUM> percent or less or about <NUM> percent or less (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM> percent by weight).

The compositions and products also may include one or more sweeteners. The sweeteners can be any sweetener or combination of sweeteners, in natural or artificial form, or as a combination of natural and artificial sweeteners. Examples of natural sweeteners include fructose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, mannose, galactose, lactose, isomaltulose, stevia, honey, and the like. Examples of artificial sweeteners include sucralose, maltodextrin, saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame and the like. In some embodiments, the sweetener comprises one or more sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols are polyols derived from monosaccharides or disaccharides that have a partially or fully hydrogenated form. Sugar alcohols have, for example, about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms and include erythritol, arabitol, ribitol, isomalt, maltitol, dulcitol, iditol, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, sorbitol, and combinations thereof (e.g., hydrogenated starch hydrolysates). When present, a representative amount of sweetener may make up from about <NUM> to about <NUM> percent or more of the of the composition by weight, for example, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>%, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>% of the composition or product on a weight basis, based on the total weight of the composition or product. In some embodiments, a combination of sweeteners may be utilized. In can be particularly useful to combine at least one material that is effective as an irritation reducing agent with one or more additional sweeteners. For example, one or both of sucralose and aspartame may be combined with xylitol and/or another irritation reducing agent. In some embodiments, any one or more of arabinose, rhamnose, salicin, trehalose, and xylose may be utilized.

In some embodiments, the compositions and products may include one or more binding agents. A binder (or combination of binders) may be employed in certain embodiments, in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes and physical integrity to the composition, and binders also often function as thickening or gelling agents. Typical binders can be organic or inorganic, or a combination thereof. Representative binders include povidone, sodium alginate, starch-based binders, pectin, carrageenan, pullulan, zein, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the binder comprises pectin or carrageenan or combinations thereof.

The amount of binder utilized can vary, but is typically up to about <NUM> weight percent, and certain embodiments are characterized by a binder content of at least about <NUM>% by weight, such as about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight, about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition or product.

In certain embodiments, the binder includes a gum, for example, a natural gum. As used herein, a natural gum refers to polysaccharide materials of natural origin that have binding properties, and which are also useful as a thickening or gelling agents. Representative natural gums derived from plants, which are typically water soluble to some degree, include xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, ghatti gum, gum tragacanth, karaya gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, and combinations thereof. When present, natural gum binder materials are typically present in an amount of up to about <NUM>% by weight, for example, from about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>%, to about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition or product.

In certain embodiments, one or more humectants may be employed in the compositions. Examples of humectants include, but are not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, and the like. Where included, the humectant is typically provided in an amount sufficient to provide desired moisture attributes to the compositions. Further, in some instances, the humectant may impart desirable flow characteristics to the composition for depositing in a mold. When present, a humectant will typically make up about <NUM>% or less of the weight of the composition or product (e.g., from about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight). When present, a representative amount of humectant is about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, or about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition or product.

In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure can comprise pH adjusters or buffering agents. Examples of pH adjusters and buffering agents that can be used include, but are not limited to, metal hydroxides (e.g., alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide), and other alkali metal buffers such as metal carbonates (e.g., potassium carbonate or sodium carbonate), or metal bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate, and the like. Where present, the buffering agent is typically present in an amount less than about <NUM> percent based on the weight of the compositions or products, for example, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, such as, e.g., from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, or from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the compositions or products. Non-limiting examples of suitable buffers include alkali metals acetates, glycinates, phosphates, glycerophosphates, citrates, carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, borates, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the compositions and products may include one or more colorants. A colorant may be employed in amounts sufficient to provide the desired physical attributes to the composition or product. Examples of colorants include various dyes and pigments, such as caramel coloring and titanium dioxide. The amount of colorant utilized in the compositions or products can vary, but when present is typically up to about <NUM> weight percent, such as from about <NUM>%, about <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%, to about <NUM>% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition or product.

Examples of even further types of additives that may be used in the present compositions and products include thickening or gelling agents (e.g., fish gelatin), emulsifiers, oral care additives (e.g., thyme oil, eucalyptus oil, and zinc), preservatives (e.g., potassium sorbate and the like), disintegration aids, zinc or magnesium salts selected to be relatively water soluble for compositions with greater water solubility (e.g., magnesium or zinc gluconate) or selected to be relatively water insoluble for compositions with reduced water solubility (e.g., magnesium or zinc oxide), or combinations thereof. See, for example, those representative components, combination of components, relative amounts of those components, and manners and methods for employing those components, set forth in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. Typical inclusion ranges for such additional additives can vary depending on the nature and function of the additive and the intended effect on the final mixture, with an example range of up to about <NUM>% by weight, based on total weight of the mixture (e.g., about <NUM> to about <NUM>% by weight).

The aforementioned additives can be employed together (e.g., as additive formulations) or separately (e.g., individual additive components can be added at different stages involved in the preparation of the final mixture). Furthermore, the aforementioned types of additives may be encapsulated as provided in the final product or mixture. Exemplary encapsulated additives are described, for example, in <CIT>.

In some embodiments, any one or more of a filler component, a tobacco material, and the overall oral product described herein can be described as a particulate material. As used herein, the term "particulate" refers to a material in the form of a plurality of individual particles, some of which can be in the form of an agglomerate of multiple particles, wherein the particles have an average length to width ratio less than <NUM>:<NUM>, such as less than <NUM>:<NUM>, such as about <NUM>:<NUM>. In various embodiments, the particles of a particulate material can be described as substantially spherical or granular.

The particle size of a particulate material may be measured by sieve analysis. As the skilled person will readily appreciate, sieve analysis (otherwise known as a gradation test) is a method used to measure the particle size distribution of a particulate material. Typically, sieve analysis involves a nested column of sieves which comprise screens, preferably in the form of wire mesh cloths. A pre-weighed sample may be introduced into the top or uppermost sieve in the column, which has the largest screen openings or mesh size (i.e. the largest pore diameter of the sieve). Each lower sieve in the column has progressively smaller screen openings or mesh sizes than the sieve above. Typically, at the base of the column of sieves is a receiver portion to collect any particles having a particle size smaller than the screen opening size or mesh size of the bottom or lowermost sieve in the column (which has the smallest screen opening or mesh size).

In some embodiments, the column of sieves may be placed on or in a mechanical agitator. The agitator causes the vibration of each of the sieves in the column. The mechanical agitator may be activated for a pre-determined period of time in order to ensure that all particles are collected in the correct sieve. In some embodiments, the column of sieves is agitated for a period of time from <NUM> minutes to <NUM> minutes, such as from <NUM> minute to <NUM> minutes, such as from <NUM> minute to <NUM> minutes, such as for approximately <NUM> minutes. Once the agitation of the sieves in the column is complete, the material collected on each sieve is weighed. The weight of each sample on each sieve may then be divided by the total weight in order to obtain a percentage of the mass retained on each sieve. As the skilled person will readily appreciate, the screen opening sizes or mesh sizes for each sieve in the column used for sieve analysis may be selected based on the granularity or known maximum/minimum particle sizes of the sample to be analysed. In some embodiments, a column of sieves may be used for sieve analysis, wherein the column comprises from <NUM> to <NUM> sieves, such as from <NUM> to <NUM> sieves. In some embodiments, a column of sieves may be used for sieve analysis, wherein the column comprises <NUM> sieves. In some embodiments, the largest screen opening or mesh sizes of the sieves used for sieve analysis may be <NUM>, such as <NUM>, such as <NUM>, such as <NUM>.

In some embodiments, any particulate material referenced herein (e.g., filler component, tobacco material, and the overall oral product) can be characterized as having at least <NUM>% by weight of particles with a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least <NUM>% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referenced herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least <NUM>% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referenced herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least <NUM>% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referenced herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least <NUM>% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referenced herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least <NUM>% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referenced herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least <NUM>% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referenced herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>. In some embodiments, approximately <NUM>% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referenced herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>, such as no greater than about <NUM>.

In some embodiments, at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referenced herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight, such as at least <NUM>% by weight of the particles of any particulate material referenced herein have a particle size as measured by sieve analysis of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The manner by which the various components of the present compositions are combined may vary. As such, an overall mixture of various components with e.g., powdered mixture components may be relatively uniform in nature. The components noted above, which may be in liquid or dry solid form, can be admixed in a pretreatment step prior to mixture with any remaining components of the mixture, or simply mixed together with all other liquid or dry ingredients. The various components may be contacted, combined, or mixed together using any mixing technique or equipment known in the art. Any mixing method that brings the mixture ingredients into intimate contact can be used, such as a mixing apparatus featuring an impeller or other structure capable of agitation. Examples of mixing equipment include casing drums, conditioning cylinders or drums, liquid spray apparatus, conical-type blenders, ribbon blenders, mixers available as FKM130, FKM600, FKM1200, FKM2000 and FKM3000 from Littleford Day, Inc. , Plough Share types of mixer cylinders, Hobart mixers, and the like. See also, for example, the types of methodologies set forth in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. In some embodiments, the components forming the mixture are prepared such that the mixture thereof may be used in a starch molding process for forming the mixture. Manners and methods for formulating mixtures will be apparent to those skilled in the art. See, for example, the types of methodologies set forth in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

Provided herein is a product configured for oral use. The term "configured for oral use" as used herein means that the product is provided in a form such that during use, saliva in the mouth of the user causes one or more of the components of the mixture (e.g., flavoring agents and/or nicotine) to pass into the mouth of the user. In certain embodiments, the product is adapted to deliver releasable components to a user through mucous membranes in the user's mouth and, in some instances, said releasable component is an active ingredient (including, but not limited to, for example, nicotine) that can be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth when the product is used.

Products configured for oral use as described herein may take various forms, including gels, pastilles, gums, lozenges, powders, and pouches. Gels can be soft or hard. Certain products configured for oral use are in the form of pastilles. As used herein, the term "pastille" refers to a dissolvable oral product made by solidifying a liquid or gel mixture so that the final product is a somewhat hardened solid gel. The rigidity of the gel is highly variable. Certain products of the disclosure are in the form of solids. Certain products can exhibit, for example, one or more of the following characteristics: crispy, granular, chewy, syrupy, pasty, fluffy, smooth, and/or creamy. In certain embodiments, the desired textural property can be selected from the group consisting of adhesiveness, cohesiveness, density, dryness, fracturability, graininess, gumminess, hardness, heaviness, moisture absorption, moisture release, mouthcoating, roughness, slipperiness, smoothness, viscosity, wetness, and combinations thereof.

The products comprising the mixtures of the present disclosure may be dissolvable. As used herein, the terms "dissolve," "dissolving," and "dissolvable" refer to mixtures having aqueous-soluble components that interact with moisture in the oral cavity and enter into solution, thereby causing gradual consumption of the product. According to one aspect, the dissolvable product is capable of lasting in the user's mouth for a given period of time until it completely dissolves. Dissolution rates can vary over a wide range, from about <NUM> minute or less to about <NUM> minutes. For example, fast release mixtures typically dissolve and/or release the active substance in about <NUM> minutes or less, often about <NUM> minute or less (e.g., about <NUM> seconds or less, about <NUM> seconds or less, about <NUM> seconds or less, or about <NUM> seconds or less). Dissolution can occur by any means, such as melting, mechanical disruption (e.g., chewing), enzymatic or other chemical degradation, or by disruption of the interaction between the components of the mixture. In some embodiments, the product can be meltable as discussed, for example, in <CIT> In other embodiments, the products do not dissolve during the product's residence in the user's mouth.

In one embodiment, the product comprising the composition of the present disclosure is in the form of a mixture disposed within a moisture-permeable container (e.g., a water-permeable pouch). Such mixtures in the water-permeable pouch format are typically used by placing one pouch containing the mixture in the mouth of a human subject/user. Generally, the pouch is placed somewhere in the oral cavity of the user, for example under the lips, in the same way as moist snuff products are generally used. The pouch preferably is not chewed or swallowed. Exposure to saliva then causes some of the components of the mixture therein (e.g., flavoring agents and/or active ingredients, such as nicotine) to pass through e.g., the water-permeable pouch and provide the user with flavor and satisfaction, and the user is not required to spit out any portion of the mixture. After about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, typically about <NUM> minutes to about <NUM> minutes, of use/enjoyment, substantial amounts of the mixture have been ingested by the human subject, and the pouch may be removed from the mouth of the human subject for disposal.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the mixture as disclosed herein and any other components noted above are combined within a moisture-permeable packet or pouch that acts as a container for use of the mixture to provide a pouched product configured for oral use. Certain embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the Figure, and these described embodiments involve snus-type products having an outer pouch and containing a mixture as described herein. As explained in greater detail below, such embodiments are provided by way of example only, and the pouched products of the present disclosure can include the composition in other forms. The mixture/construction of such packets or pouches, such as the container pouch <NUM> in the embodiment illustrated in the Figure, may be varied. Referring to the Figure, there is shown a first embodiment of a pouched product <NUM>. The pouched product <NUM> includes a moisture-permeable container in the form of a pouch <NUM>, which contains a material <NUM> comprising a composition as described herein. The pouched product <NUM> may be an example of a product as described herein formed at least in part from the described compositions.

Suitable packets, pouches or containers of the type used for the manufacture of smokeless tobacco products are available under the tradenames CatchDry, Ettan, General, Granit, Goteborgs Rape, Grovsnus White, Metropol Kaktus, Mocca Anis, Mocca Mint, Mocca Wintergreen, Kicks, Probe, Prince, Skruf and TreAnkrare. The mixture may be contained in pouches and packaged, in a manner and using the types of components used for the manufacture of conventional snus types of products. The pouch provides a liquid-permeable container of a type that may be considered to be similar in character to the mesh-like type of material that is used for the construction of a tea bag. Components of the mixture readily diffuse through the pouch and into the mouth of the user.

Non-limiting examples of suitable types of pouches are set forth in, for example, <CIT>and <CIT>; as well as <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and<CIT>. Pouches can be provided as individual pouches, or a plurality of pouches (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> pouches) can be connected or linked together (e.g., in an end-to-end manner) such that a single pouch or individual portion can be readily removed for use from a one-piece strand or matrix of pouches.

An example pouch may be manufactured from materials, and in such a manner, such that during use by the user, the pouch undergoes a controlled dispersion or dissolution. Such pouch materials may have the form of a mesh, screen, perforated paper, permeable fabric, or the like. For example, pouch material manufactured from a mesh-like form of rice paper, or perforated rice paper, may dissolve in the mouth of the user. As a result, the pouch and mixture each may undergo complete dispersion within the mouth of the user during normal conditions of use, and hence the pouch and mixture both may be ingested by the user. Other examples of pouch materials may be manufactured using water dispersible film forming materials (e.g., binding agents such as alginates, carboxymethylcellulose, xanthan gum, pullulan, and the like), as well as those materials in combination with materials such as ground cellulosics (e.g., fine particle size wood pulp). Preferred pouch materials, though water dispersible or dissolvable, may be designed and manufactured such that under conditions of normal use, a significant amount of the mixture contents permeate through the pouch material prior to the time that the pouch undergoes loss of its physical integrity. If desired, flavoring ingredients, disintegration aids, and other desired components, may be incorporated within, or applied to, the pouch material.

The amount of material contained within each product unit, for example, a pouch, may vary. In some embodiments, the weight of the mixture within each pouch is at least about <NUM>, for example, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> grams, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some smaller embodiments, the weight of the mixture within each pouch may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. For a larger embodiment, the weight of the material within each pouch may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. If desired, other components can be contained within each pouch. For example, at least one flavored strip, piece or sheet of flavored water dispersible or water soluble material (e.g., a breath-freshening edible film type of material) may be disposed within each pouch along with or without at least one capsule. Such strips or sheets may be folded or crumpled in order to be readily incorporated within the pouch. See, for example, the types of materials and technologies set forth in <CIT> and <CIT>; and <NPL>.

A pouched product as described herein can be packaged within any suitable inner packaging material and/or outer container. See also, for example, the various types of containers for smokeless types of products that are set forth in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>,<CIT>;<CIT>; and<CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>; <CIT>; and<CIT>.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure can provide methods for reducing irritation in a product for oral use. In particular, certain active ingredients and/or flavors that may be desirable may nevertheless result in irritation for some consumers in the mouth and/or throat of the consumer. The compositions and products of the present disclosure thus may be prepared by forming a product to include at least one irritation reducing agent, a possibly irritating ingredient (e.g., an active ingredient or a relatively strong flavor) that is releasable in one or both of the mouth and throat of a consumer, and a filler component. The irritation reducing agent is preferably included in an amount effective to reduce irritation in one or both of the mouth and throat of the consumer arising from the release of the added, possibly irritating ingredient from the product. In some embodiments, in may be useful to pre-mix at least a portion of the irritation reducing agent with at least a portion of the filler.

Claim 1:
An oral composition comprising:
an active ingredient that is releasable from the oral composition;
a filler; and
at least one irritation reducing agent effective to reduce irritation arising from the release of the active ingredient from the oral composition, wherein the active ingredient, the filler component, and the at least one irritation reducing agent are combined as a mixture that is enclosed in a pouch to form a pouched product, the mixture optionally being in a free-flowing particulate form; and wherein the at least one irritation reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of a non-sugar sweetener, xylitol, sorbitol, camphor, clove oil, cocoa extract, eugenol, glycerine, and combinations thereof, and
wherein the filler component comprises a cellulose material or a cellulose derivative present in an amount of <NUM>% to <NUM>% by weight based on a total weight of the mixture.