Title of Invention	CONSUMABLE COMPOSITION WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
Abstract	A consumable composition with antioxidants is described. The consumable composition comprises theaflavin, thearubigin and catechin and has good taste and appearance characteristics. The consumable composition can be black tea having green tea catechins as additives.

Full Text

F6199/C FORM - 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & The Patents Rules, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See Section 10 and Rule 13) CONSUMABLE COMPOSITION WITH ANTIOXIDANTS HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED, a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913 and having its registered office at Hindustan Lever House, 165/166, Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai -400 020, Maharashtra, India The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -1- CONSUMABLE COMPOSITION WITH ANTIOXIDANTS Technical Field of the Invention 5 The present invention is directed to a consumable composition. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a consumable composition comprising a mixture of theaflavin, thearubigin and catechin wherein at least 50.0% by weight of the mixture is theaflavin and thearubigin. The 10 consumable composition of this invention, unexpectedly, has good taste and appearance characteristics, in addition to the many health advantages associated with antioxidants. Background of the Invention 15 Excluding water, tea is the most popular beverage consumed by man. Tea is very refreshing, can be served either hot or cold, and has been made commercially available for many years. Lipton®, for example, is the world's leading brand of 20 tea, made available in over 110 countries by Unilever. Today, modern scientists are exploring the exciting potential of tea, which has a unique combination of natural antioxidants known as flavonoids that can include catechins, 25 flavonols and flavonol glucosides. Taken regularly, tea can help improve vascular function, combat fatigue, reduce cholesterol levels and increase feelings of vitality. Antioxidants found in tea, especially green tea, are 30 believed to reduce the risk of cancer. In fact, studies indicate that antioxidants lower the risks of cancer in the upper digestive tract, colon, rectum, pancreas and breasts. WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -2- Since antioxidants are associated with good health, it is of increasing interest to incorporate antioxidants into consumable compositions. The difficulty, however, is to add antioxidants to consumable compositions without compromising 5 the taste and stability of the same. Particularly, it is of increasing interests to incorporate green tea antioxidants into consumable compositions, and especially, in areas where green tea is not popular. This invention, therefore, is directed to a consumable composition comprising increased 10 levels of antioxidants. The consumable composition of this invention comprises a mixture of theaflavin, thearubigin, and catechin wherein at least 50.0% by weight of the mixture is theaflavin and thearubigin. The consumable composition of this=.invention, unexpectedly, has good taste and 15 appearance characteristics, as well as the health advantages associated with antioxidants. Efforts have been made for making tasty consumable compositions. In U.S. patent application publication No. 20 2003/0054089 Al, ready-to-eat and tasty foods are described. Other efforts have been disclosed for making good tasting edible consumables. In U.S. patent application publication No. 2002/0001651 Al, edible consumables with monomeric or 25 oligomeric polyphenolic compounds are described. Even other efforts have been made for making good tasting consumable compositions. In U.S. patent application serial No. 10/726,718, beverage compositions with improved flavor 30 are described. Still other efforts have been disclosed for making good tasting consumable compositions. In U.S. patent No. WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -3- 6,413,570, concentrates for good tasting ready-to-drink tea compositions are described. None of the above disclosures describes a consumable 5 composition comprising a mixture of theaflavin, thearubigin and catechin wherein at least 50.0% by weight of the mixture is theaflavin and thearubigin. Summary of the Invention 10 In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a consumable composition precursor comprising a polyphenol mixture comprising theaflavin, thearubigin and catechin wherein the polyphenol mixture comprises at least 50.0% by 15 weight theaflavin and thearubigin. In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a consumable composition made from the consumable composition precursor of the first aspect of this invention. 20 In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for making the consumable composition of the second aspect of this invention. 25 Consumable composition precursor means a precursor composition used to make a consumable composition. The preferred consumable composition precursor of this invention is black tea concentrate used to make a ready-to-drink tea beverage (i.e., consumable composition). 30 Consumable composition, as used herein, means a food product ready-to-consume, like a tasty beverage, spread, sauce, dip, spoonable dressing, pourable dressing, ice cream, pasta WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -4- composition, wheat-based composition (e.g., bread), meal supplement or replacement drink, or a meal supplement or replacement bar. In a preferred embodiment, the consumable composition of this invention is a ready-to-drink black tea 5 beverage. Detailed Description of the Invention There is no limitation with respect to the type of 10 polyphenol mixture used in this invention other than that the polyphenol mixture is suitable for use in consumable compositions and one which comprises theaflavin, thearubigin and catechin wherein the polyphenol mixture comprises at least 50.0% by weight theaflavin and thearubigin based on 15 total weight of the polyphenol mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the polyphenol mixture comprises at least 5.0% to 30.0%, and most preferably, from 8.0% to 25.0% by weight catechin based on total weight of the polyphenol mixture and including all ranges subsumed therein. In yet another 20 preferred embodiment, at least 60.0%, and preferably, at least 75.0% by weight of the total polyphenol mixture is theaflavin and thearubigin. The type of catechin employed in this invention is limited 25 only to the extent that the catechin is suitable for human consumption. Illustrative examples of the type of catechin suitable for use in this invention are epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, catechin, and gallocatechin or a mixture thereof. 30 Preferably, the catechins are isolated from green tea or tea leaves, and therefore, are most preferably added as a compound or mixture of compounds and not within a green tea composition. Such catechins may be isolated from green tea WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -5- or tea leaves via conventional methods which include extraction with water or organic solvents such as food-grade alcohol or ethyl acetate. Also, the catechins can be synthetically made, some are commercially available, and 5 others can be derived from plants (in addition to tea plants) that are members of the catechu gambir (Uncaria family). The types of theaflavin and thearubigin employed in this 10 invention are limited only to the extent that these polyphenols are suitable, for human consumption. Illustrative examples of the types of theaflavins that can be used in this invention include theaflavin, theaflavin-3-gallate, theaflavin-3-Q-gallate, and theaflavin-3-3 di-0- 15 gallate or mixtures thereof. Such theaflavins are typically made via the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) dependent oxidative polymerization of tea leaf polyphenols or flavonoids during fermentation of tea leaf to black tea. 20 Thearubigin used in this invention is suitable for human consumption, and the same is defined to embrace a gallimaufry of indeterminate structures from the monomeric to the polymeric derived by enzymatic oxidation of the flavan-3-ols in fresh tea leaf. The thearubigin used in 25 this invention is preferably water soluble, acidic, and may be rust brown in color. Illustrative examples of the types of thearubigins that may be used in this invention include those derived from theasinensin and/or proanthocyanidin as well as those found in theafulvin fractions. 30 Thearubigin, like theaflavin, is made via the oxidative polymerization of green tea polyphenols or flavonoids during fermentation of tea leaf to black tea. The theaflavin and WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -6- thearubigin suitable for use in the consumable compositions of this invention are preferably isolated from black tea. In a preferred embodiment, however, the theaflavin and thearubigin are in black tea (i.e., as the consumable 5 composition) and the preferred catechin or mixtures of catechins is/are combined with the same. It is particularly noted that in an especially preferred embodiment, there is at least two (2) times, and preferably, 10 from 3 to 4 times more thearubigin than theaflavin in the polyphenol mixture employed in this invention. .A more detailed description of the types of polyphenols suitable for use in this invention may be found in Analysis 15 of Theaflavins and Thearubigins from Black Tea Extract, by Marie-Claude Menet et al., J. Agric. Food Chem. 2004, 52, 2455-2461; Isolation and Analysis of a Polymeric Thearubigin Fraction from Tea, by Richard G. Bailey et al., J. Sci. Food Agric. 1992, 59, 365-375; Thoughts on Thearubigins, by Edwin 20 Haslam, Phytochemistry, 61 (2003), 61-73, the disclosures .of which are incorporated herein by reference. When adding the mixture of polyphenols to a consumable composition, it is preferred that the theaflavin and 25 thearubigin are isolated from black tea and combined with catechin recovered from green tea. The resulting polyphenol mixture may be added to consumable composition precursors like dry spice mixes for sauces and dressings as well as powdered beverage precursors and flours and grains for 30 pastas and breads. Such a polyphenol mixture may also be added to consumable c ^positions ready for consumption like dips, spoonable dressings and spreads and mixed within the same to yield an antioxidant comprising and homogeneous WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -7- consumable composition. Typically, the polyphenol mixture comprising theaflavin, thearubigin and catechin makes up from 0.10% to 1.0%, and preferably, from 0.15% to 0.60%, and most preferably, from 0.20% to 0.40% by weight of the total 5 weight of the consumable composition, including all ranges subsumed therein. In a preferred embodiment, the consumable composition precursor (to which the polyphenol mixture described herein 10 is added or prepared) is a black tea concentrate or extract such as those made commercially available by Unilever under the Lipton Tea brand. The precursor often has from 5.0 to 30.0% by weight tea solids and is combined with selected carbohydrates (e.g., high fructose corn syrup and/or corn 15 syrup) in a ratio of 1.5 parts or more of carbohydrate to 1 part of tea solids. Such a precursor (i.e., one used to make a ready to drink tea beverage) is preferably thermally and/or aseptically packaged and typically has a pH from 3.5 to 6.0, and preferably, from 4.0 to 6.0, including all 20 ranges subsumed therein. The preferred consumable composition precursor which may be used in this invention is typically prepared by first making a mixture of enzymes suitable to digest the cell walls of 25 tea leaf. Tea leaf is added to the enzyme mixture with water and sent through an extractor to allow for enzyme solution and tea leaf contact time. The resulting leaf slurry is heated to a temperature from 25°C to 98°C, yielding an aqueous tea leaf solution. The same is 30 pasteurized and subjected to centrifugation and concentration in order to recover the desired concentrate. To the concentrate is added (and thoroughly mixed) the WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -8- catechins described herein and isolated from, for example, green tea. When the consumable composition precursor of this invention 5 is a tea concentrate, it has been discovered that the same is unexpectedly more stable than tea concentrates not having the polyphenol mixture of this invention. More stable, as defined herein, means suitable to make a ready-to-drink tea beverage with good taste and limited visible haze (Hunter 10 Haze Value under 70) after being stored for 57 days at 35°C as measured on a Hunter DP9000 Spectrophotometer in a 5 cm cell. The resulting tea concentrate may then be diluted with water 15 to produce a consumable black tea composition with good taste and appearance characteristics. Such a consumable black tea composition is translucent, healthy and free of precipitate like white alcoholic precipitate. A more detailed description of the preparation of the consumable 20 composition precursors (not having the mixture of polyphenols described herein) is found in U.S. patent No. 6,413,570, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 25 It is within the scope of this invention to employ optional additives such as a chelator, colorant, preservative, flavor, vitamin, sweetener, fruit juices, surfactant (e.g. sorbitan monolaurate and sorbitan monopalmitate), acidulant and the like. When employed, such optional additives, 30 collectively, may make up less than 15.0% by weight of the total weight of the consumable composition precursor. WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -9- A type of dispenser suitable for use with the superior tea concentrate of this invention is one which combines concentrate with a liquid, like water, in order to produce a ready to drink tea beverage. Such a dispenser typically 5 combines one (1) part of tea concentrate to 95 to 100 parts by weight liquid in order to produce the desired consumable composition. A more detailed description of the type of dispenser suitable for use in this invention is described, . for example, in U.S. patent Nos. 6,792,847, and 6,685,059, 10 and U.S. patent application No. 2003/0116025, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Except in the examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this description indicating amounts 15 of material or conditions of reaction, physical properties of materials and/or use may also be understood as modified by the word "about". All amounts are by weight of the composition, unless otherwise specified. 20 The following examples are provided to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. The examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Example 1 25 A consumable composition precursor (tea concentrate) having the following ingredients was made: 30 WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -10- Ingredient Percent by Weight 1 (%) Black, tea solids 32.40 Preservative 0.20 Color 0.64 Acidulant 0.55 Corn syrup (72%) 40.71 Catechin* 0.70 Water Balance *Isolated from green tea and mixed in the precursor. The consumable composition precursor was packaged in a 5 commercially available package and dispensed from an apparatus similar to the one described in U.S. patent ' application No. 2003/0116025. The resulting ready-to-drink black tea consumable composition was made by combining and dispensing one part precursor for every 100 parts of water. 10 "Example 2 Ready-to-drink black tea consumable compositions similar to the ones described in Example 1 were made from precursors 15 stored at 35°C for 57 days along with control precursors kept at the same conditions and having no added catechins. The resulting ready-to-drink black tea consumable compositions made from the consumable composition precursor of this invention unexpectedly had Hunter Haze Values under 20 70, whereas the resulting ready-to-drink black tea consumable compositions made with control precursors all had Hunter Haze Values over 80 (commercially unacceptable) . The results indicate that the polyphenol mixture described WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -11- herein unexpectedly results in a stable precursor which leads to a consumable composition having an appearance more acceptable to consumers. 5 Example 3 Ready-to-drink black tea consumable compositions were made with precursors similar to the one described in Example 1. Control ready-to-drink black tea consumable compositions 10 were made with precursors like the one described in Example 1 except that no catechin was added. The precursor having catechin added thereto was aged to about six months prior to making the ready-to-drink black tea consumable compositions of this invention. The controls were made with precursor 15 that was no more than one month old. Both ready-to-drink black tea consumable compositions were sampled by trained panelists' for Quantitative Descriptive Analysis. The panelists unanimously concluded that the 20 ready-to-drink black tea consumable compositions made according to this invention (and with about six month old precursor) had the same residue astringency, residue bitterness and other flavor attributes as did control ready-to-drink consumable compositions made from precursor that 25 was not more than one month old. The results indicate that the consumable composition precursors made according to this invention are unexpectedly stable, leading to a consumable composition with increased 30 levels of antioxidants and with characteristics similar to conventional consumable compositions made with a conventional precursor that is five times fresher or newer. WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -12-CLAIMS 1. A consumable composition precursor comprising a polyphenol mixture comprising theaflavin, thearubigin 5 and catechin wherein the polyphenol mixture comprises at least 50.0% by weight theaflavin and thearubigin. 2. The consumable composition precursor according to claim 1 wherein there is at least two times more thearubigin 10 than theaflavin. 3. The consumable composition precursor according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the •polyphenol mixture comprises from 5.0% to 30.0% by weight catechin, based on total 15 weight of the polyphenol mixture. 4. The consumable composition precursor according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the catechin is an additive. 20 5. The consumable composition precursor according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the consumable composition precursor is a black tea concentrate and the catechin is isolated from green tea or tea leaf. 25 6. The consumable composition precursor according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the consumable composition precursor comprises at least 1.5 parts of carbohydrate to one part tea solids. 30 WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 -13 7. A consumable composition comprising a polyphenol mixture comprising theaflavin, thearubigin and catechin wherein the polyphenol mixture comprises at least 50.0% by weight theaflavin and thearubigin. 5 8. The consumable composition according to claim 7 wherein the polyphenol mixture comprises from 5.0% to 30.0% by weight catechin. 10 9. The consumable composition according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein there is at least two times more thearubigin than theaflavin in the polyphenol mixture. 10. The consumable composition according to any one of 15 claims 7 to 9 wherein the polyphenol mixture makes up from 0.10% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the consumable composition. 11. The consumable composition according to any one of 20 claims claims 7 to 10 wherein the consumable composition is ready-to-drink, black tea. 12. The consumable composition according to any one of claims claim 7 to 11 wherein the catechin is a green 25 tea polyphenol. 13. The consumable composition according to any one of claims 7 to 12 wherein the consumable composition has a Hunter Haze Value of under 70 after being stored for 57 30 days at 35°C. WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 14 14. The consumable composition according to any one of claims 7 to 13 wherein the consumable composition has no precipitate. 5 15. A method for making a consumable composition comprising the steps of: (a) combining a consumable composition precursor and catechin to produce a consumable composition precursor with a catechin additive; and 10 (b) combining the consumable composition precursor with a catechin additive and a liquid to produce the consumable composition; wherein the consumable composition precursor with a catechin additive has a polyphenol mixture comprising 15 at least 50.0% by weight theaflavin and thearubigin. 16. The method for making a consumable composition according to claim 15 wherein the polyphenol mixture comprises from 5.0% to 30.0% by weight catechin. 20 25 17. The method for making a consumable composition ; according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the consumable composition precursor is a black tea concentrate. 18. The method for making a consumable composition according to any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the catechin is recovered from green tea or tea leaf. 30 19. The method for making a consumable composition according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the consumable composition is a ready-to-drink black tea composition. WO 2006/048122 PCT/EP2005/011251 15- 20. The method for making a consumable composition according to claim 19 wherein the ready-to-drink black tea composition has a Hunter Haze Value under 70 after 5 being stored for 57 days at 35°C. Dated this 3rd day of May 2007 10

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634-MUMNP-2007-DESCRIPTION(COMPLETE)-(9-2-2009).pdf

634-mumnp-2007-description(granted)-(7-7-2009).pdf

634-MUMNP-2007-FORM 1(24-8-2007).pdf

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634-MUMNP-2007-FORM 1(9-2-2009).pdf

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