dPAustralia
AUSTRALIA
PAINu -tr a- Patents Act 1990 Original Complete Specification Standard Patent Invention Title P/00/011 Regulation 3.2 Revised 2/98 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing known to me:- ASFOLL -2- HERBAL TAMPON This invention relates to the addition of spray dried herbal preparations to the concentric layers of menstrual tampons to greatly enhance the limited function of mentioned tampons.
In the present form, tampons only offer the benefit of providing absorbency during times of menstrual discharge.
Herbal preparations, the type of which being beneficial in alleviating or regulating discomforts associated with menses, are normally administered orally, or by pessary or vaginal douche. Such methods offer indirect action, provide additional vaginal discharge, and are time consuming and inconvenient, respectively.
The problem of administration of herbal preparations may be overcome by the use of a combination of soluble spray dried herbal powders enclosed within the concentric layers of a menstrual tampon during or prior to the time of manufacture of such a tampon. The herbal preparations in mention exist in a form in a form used by practitioners of Eastern and Western herbalism, and currently used in Australia and meeting the Therapeutic Goods Regulations governing their use.
Supply of such spray dried herbal preparations may be available through distributors in Australia and overseas, an example being ChinaHerb Company (Aust.) P/L.
The combination of spray dried herbal preparations will be as follows: Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) Anti-inflammatory,antianaemic, antiplatelet, uterine tonic.
Rehmannia Glutinosa(Shu Di Huang) Anti-inflammatory, antihaemorrhagic,antianaemic, useful for amenorrhoea and metrorrhagia.
Corydalis ambigua Analgesic, sedative.
Paeonia lactiflora (RBi shao) Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic Grapefruit Seed Extract (Powder) Broad-spectrum bactericide, fungicide. An example of such a product is Citricidal R.
Enclosed within the concentric layers of each herbal tampon will be a quantity of two grams of the herbal preparations.
The herbal preparation shall be evenly spread in a thin layer from the centre to the periphery of the herbal tampon following the concentric layers, while extending the full length of the tampon.
Such layering of the herbal preparations shall give a slow release of the active constituents of the herbal preparations.This occurring when the herbal tampon is placed vaginally according to manufacturers guidelines, and exposed to the moisture of menstrual discharge.
Absorption occurring through the vaginal mucosa, directly into the vascular system. The addition of the herbal preparations shall not unnecessarily add bulk to the tampon once manufactured.
The combination of therapeutic actions of the herbal preparations have the affect of relieving conditions often associated with menstruation, such as, dysmenorrhoea, abdominal cramping and irregularity.
A herbal tampon may be manufactured of an organic, synthetic material, or a combination of both, as specified by manufacturers.
While complying with all requirements of the Australian Standards associated with tampons.
A herbal tampon shall be in varying sizes, for example, 6-9ml; 9-12ml; 12-15ml, in order to cater for light to heavy menstrual discharge, respectively.
The external appearance of a herbal tampon, with the inclusion of a thin cord to assist insertion and removal of the tampon, shall appear the same as, or similar to tampons presently available to the public.
Details of the active constituents are as follows: Citricidal Powder Grapefruit extracts (Seed and Silicon Dioxide USP Glycerin USP Solubility Water soluble, organic and alcohol solvents.
Potent, effective broad-spectrum bactericide, fungicide, antiviral, antiparasitic.
Chemical Description: Diphenol hydroxybenzene complex.
Corydalis ambigua Used for visceral pain, pain from injury and dysmenorrhoea.
Analgesic effects shown to be 40% that of morphine (9) Traditionally used as an analgesic and sedative Active Constituents: dl-Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) and Corydalis L (alkaloids) Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) -7- Rehmannia glutinosa (Sbu di huang) Usefuiin cases of anaemia, weakness, metrorrhagia and amenorrhoea.
Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and antihaemorrha~ic (May be used instead of licorice) Active Constituents: Jionoside Al and B2 (glycosiides Jioglutosides and Jioglutins (monterpines) Ogal OP O-CHI-CH 2
OH
HO 'HC V z~ C--0 OH
OH
H,Co HO 0
CHI
OH OH gal P-D-galactopyra nose Jionoside Al Jioglutoside A IXpng qua i Used for conditions such as irregular menses, dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea May be indicated in PMS, in cases of endonietriosis and as a blood builder in anaemia.
Traditionally used as a uterine tonic, an~i-inflanimatory and spasmolytic.
Active Constituents: Ferulic acid n-Butylidenphthalide, ligustilide and butyphthalide nicotinic aciO 0 0 Cl-I 3
CH
3 Ligustilide n-Butylidenephthalide -9- Paeonia lactiflora Used for female reproductive disorders, such as dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, excessive bleeding (uterine) and cramping.
Traditionally used as a spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, mild skeletal muscle relaxant and astringent.
Active Constituents: Paeoniflorin Benzoylpaeoniflorin, albaflorin, oxypaeonflorin and pentagallolglucose.
Paeonia is often combined with Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea Active Constituents: Glycyrrhizin (Glycoside) Liquititin (Flavonoid) Traditionally used for anti-inflammatory, demulcent and spasmolytic properties.
To assist with understanding the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing an example of a herbal tampon.
In the drawings: FIG. 1 shows a cut away section of herbal tampon. displaying the thin layers of spray dried herbal preparations following the concentric layers of the tampon.
FIG. 2 shows an end view of a herbal tampon,displaying the layers of spray dried herbal preparations and the tampon material of construction.
NB. Drawings are not to scale.