Process for obtaining tobacco leaves with a standardized nicotine content and/or improved combustibility

Abstract

Process for the preparation of tobacco leaves with a standardized nicotine content and/or improved combustibility, for use in the manufacture of smoking products such as cigarettes, cigars and shags. The method includes drying and curing of tobacco leaves ( Nicotiana tabacum ), extraction of the dried leaves with a mixture of organic solvent and water, re-drying of the extracted leaves to a controlled moisture value, and finally, elimination of the ribs. The leaves thus obtained are suitably mixed with excipients and flavourings, and shredded to make cigarettes, cigars, etc . . .

1 - 23 . (canceled)  
   
   
       24 . Process for the treatment of tobacco leaves ( Nicotiana tabacum ) comprising the following steps: a) drying and curing of the leaves; b) extraction of dried leaves with a solvent or mixture of solvents; c) re-drying of the extracted leaves; d) elimination of the ribs.  
   
   
       25 . Process as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the solvent is selected from methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, acetone, ethylene glycol, water or mixtures thereof; possibly adjusting pH with buffers.  
   
   
       26 . Process as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein the solvent is ethanol.  
   
   
       27 . Process as claimed in  claim 26 , wherein the solvent mixture is an ethanol/water mixture with a strength of between 20° and 80°.  
   
   
       28 . Process as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein the mixture has a strength of 50°.  
   
   
       29 . Process as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the weight ratio between tobacco and solvent mixture is between 1:5 and 1:30.  
   
   
       30 . Process as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein the weight ratio between tobacco and solvent mixture is 1:16.  
   
   
       31 . Process as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the extraction carried out for a time of between 3 and 16 hours.  
   
   
       32 . Process as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein the extraction carried out for 8 hours.  
   
   
       33 . Process as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the extraction temperature is between 20 and 80° C.  
   
   
       34 . Process as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the extraction temperature is 60° C.  
   
   
       35 . Process as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the extraction is performed 1-5 times.  
   
   
       36 . Process as claimed in  claim 35 , wherein the extraction carried out once.  
   
   
       37 . Process as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the leaves are re-dried under vacuum.  
   
   
       38 . Process as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the leaves are re-dried for 36-48 hours.  
   
   
       39 . Process as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the leaves are re-dried at the temperature of 35° C.  
   
   
       40 . Process as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein Virginia Bright tobacco leaves are used.  
   
   
       41 . Tobacco leaves with a low nicotine content obtainable by the process claimed in  claim 24 .  
   
   
       42 . Tobacco leaves with a low chloride content obtainable by the process claimed in  claim 24 .  
   
   
       43 . Tobacco leaves with a low nicotine and chloride content obtainable by the process claimed in  claim 24 .  
   
   
       44 . Tobacco leaves with improved combustibility obtainable by the process claimed in  claim 24 .  
   
   
       45 . Method of preparing smoking products such as cigarettes, cigars and shags, with a low nicotine content and/or improved combustibility, which comprises using the tobacco leaves of  claim 41 .  
   
   
       46 . Products containing tobacco leaves as claimed in  claim 41 , also mixed with suitable excipients and flavourings.