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Title:
COMPACT NATURAL AROMA COMPOSITES
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2024/079690
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to composites comprising a pressed plant-based material wherein the pressed plant-based material has a moisture content of less than 8% weight per weight (w/w), and has a first mean particle size between 35 µm and 250 µm, or a second mean particle size between 1000 µm and 3000 µm, or both. Methods for producing such composites and uses such as for recovery of olfactory function, are also disclosed.

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Inventors:
DA ROCHA SIMÕES CARRIÇO SÍLVIA MARIA (PT)
ALVES FONSECA ALEXANDRE MIGUEL (PT)
FARIA MARTINS CÁTIA SOFIA (PT)
PEDROSA DA COSTA CARINA FILIPA (PT)
MIRANDA FONTES NATACHA SOFIA (PT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2023/060306
Publication Date:
April 18, 2024
Filing Date:
October 12, 2023
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
UNIV DE AVEIRO (PT)
SOGRAPE VINHOS SA (PT)
International Classes:
A23L2/39; A23L19/00; A23L27/10; A23L27/12; A23P10/20; A23P10/28; A61B5/00
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PEREIRA DA CRUZ, João (PT)
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Claims:
CLAIMS

1. Composite comprising a pressed plant-based material wherein said pressed plantbased material has a moisture content of less than 8% weight per weight (w/w), and has a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, or a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, or both.

2. Composite according to claim 1, wherein said plant-based material is selected from: an herb, an aromatic plant, a fruit, a spice, a seed, a vegetable, a whole grain, a legume, a nut, a tuber, a root, a hemp, an alga, a seaweed, an agro-food by-product, any fraction thereof, or any combination thereof.

3. Composite according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein said plant -based material is selected from the group consisting of: whole plant-based material, a plantbased material biomass, a plant-based material filtrate, a plant-based material concentrate, a plant-based material extrudate, any fraction thereof, and any combination thereof.

4. Composite according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least two plantbased materials, in a ratio between 5: 1 and 1.5:0.1 (w/w), preferably between 4: 1 to 2:0.2.

5. Composite according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said plant -based material comprises ginger rhizome, grape pomace, rosemary leaf, tangerine peel, maltodextrin from tapioca, oregano leaf, anise seed, or any combination thereof.

6. Composite according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said composite is in the form of a disc, a pellet, a cube, or a sphere.

7. Composite according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said composite has a total weight between 1 g and 10 g, preferably between 2 g and 8 g, more preferably between 3 g and 5 g.

8. Kit comprising at least one composite according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Kit according to claim 8, further comprising at least one container, wherein said at least one composite is sealed inside said container, preferably wherein a ratio between a volume of the composite and a volume of the container is between 3:50 and 4:25.

10. Method for producing a composite comprising the steps of: pressing a plant-based material with a force from 5 Ton to 30 Ton, wherein said plant-based material has a moisture content of less than 8% (w/w), and a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, or a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, or both, thereby obtaining said composite, and optionally packaging the composite.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein said pressing is carried out for a period of time between 1 minute and 10 minutes, preferably between 1 minute and 5 minutes.

12. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein said method further comprises the steps of: drying a plant-based material, thereby obtaining a plant-based material with a moisture content of less than 8% (w/w); grinding said plant-based material into a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, or a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, or both; and homogenizing said plant-based material, wherein the steps precede the step of pressing said plant-based material.

13. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said composite is the composite according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

14. Use of the composite according to any one of claims 1 to 7, for recovery of olfactory function, olfactory skill training, olfactory sensory experience, or any combination thereof.

15. Use of the kit according to any one of claims 8 to 9, for recovery of olfactory function, olfactory skill training, olfactory sensory experience or any combination thereof.

Description:
COMPACT NATURAL AROMA COMPOSITES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of pressed plant-based materials and use thereof, e.g., for olfactory training, and processes for producing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Olfactory disorders have a direct impact on our quality of life, both physically and psychologically, not only for those who make this sense their main work tool, but also in many other areas and in different age groups. Winemakers, sommeliers, perfumers and chefs are some of the professionals who have seen their work tool compromised. Therefore, olfactory rehabilitation training is attracting attention as a method for treating olfactory disorders.

[003] Olfactory training aims at rehabilitation treatment for the recovery of olfactory function in subjects with olfactory disorders or abnormalities resulting from various causes. Olfactory rehabilitation training is based on the theory that the human olfactory nervous system has plasticity and that training improves the olfactory function.

[004] Patent JP2007111281 A discloses a solid fragrance in which a porous support is impregnated with a fragrance component together with a gelling agent to form a gel of the fragrance component in the porous support.

[005] Patent KR20210111990A discloses a user-customized olfactory training kit that includes: a plurality of cases each having a storage space therein and stacked on each upper or lower part to be detachably coupled to each other; a plurality of solid olfactory substances each stored in the storage space and emitting different scents; and a cover stacked on the top of the storage case positioned at the uppermost position among the plurality of cases and detachably coupled thereto.

[006] Patent US 11027035B1 discloses a pressed biomass component including a plant or animal material that is compressed by a press plate apparatus by application of pressure within a range of 1000 to 36000 pounds per square inch (PSI). The pressed biomass component is bound together by natural moisture content of the plant material that is extracted during compression of the plant material, and wherein binding of the pressed biomass component is without use of additional binding agents. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] In one aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a composite comprising a pressed plant-based material wherein the pressed plant-based material has a moisture content of less than 8% weight per weight (w/w), and has a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, or a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, or both.

[008] In some embodiments, the plant-based material is selected from: an herb, an aromatic plant, a fruit, a spice, a seed, a vegetable, a whole grain, a legume, a nut, a tuber, a root, a hemp, an alga, a seaweed, an agro-food by-product, any fraction thereof, or any combination thereof.

[009] In some embodiments, the plant-based material is selected from the group consisting of: whole plant-based material, a plant-based material biomass, a plant-based material filtrate, a plant-based material concentrate, a plant-based material extrudate, any fraction thereof, and any combination thereof.

[010] In some embodiments, the composite comprises at least two plant-based materials, in a ratio between 5: 1 and 1.5:0.1 (w/w), preferably between 4: 1 to 2:0.2.

[011] In some embodiments, the plant-based material comprises ginger rhizome, grape pomace, rosemary leaf, tangerine peel, maltodextrin from tapioca, oregano leaf, anise seed, or any combination thereof.

[012] In some embodiments, the composite is in the form of a disc, a pellet, a cube, or a sphere.

[013] In some embodiments, the composite has a total weight between 1 g and 10 g, preferably between 2 g and 8 g, more preferably between 3 g and 5 g.

[014] In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a kit comprising at least one composite according to the present disclosure.

[015] In some embodiments, the kit further comprises at least one container, wherein the at least one composite is sealed inside the container, preferably wherein a ratio between a volume of the composite and a volume of the container is between 3:50 and 4:25.

[016] In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method for producing a composite comprising the steps of: pressing a plant-based material with a force from 5 Ton to 30 Ton, wherein the plant-based material has a moisture content of less than 8% (w/w), and a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, or a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, or both, thereby obtaining the composite, and optionally packaging the composite.

[017] In some embodiments, the pressing is carried out for a period of time between 1 minute and 10 minutes, preferably between 1 minute and 5 minutes.

[018] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of drying a plantbased material, thereby obtaining a plant-based material with a moisture content of less than 8% (w/w); grinding the plant-based material into a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, or a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, or both; and homogenizing the plant-based material, wherein the steps precede the step of pressing the plant-based material.

[019] In some embodiments, the composite is the composite according to the present disclosure.

[020] In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a use of the composite according to the present disclosure, for recovery of olfactory function, olfactory skill training, olfactory sensory experience, or any combination thereof.

[021] In another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a use of the kit according to the present disclosure, for recovery of olfactory function, olfactory skill training, olfactory sensory experience or any combination thereof.

[022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the disclosure, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

[023] Further embodiments and the full scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[024] Some embodiments of the disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the disclosure. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced.

[025] Figure l is a flowchart of a method for producing a composite, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[026] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composite comprising at least one pressed plant-based material. In some embodiments, the composite consists of at least one pressed plant-based material. A composite material as described herein is in the form of a disc, a pellet, a cube, or a sphere. The present disclosure is based, in part, on the finding that a composite as described herein, consists of 100% plant-based materials such as an herb, an aromatic plant, a fruit, a spice, a seed, a vegetable, a whole grain, a legume, a nut, a tuber, a root, a hemp, an alga, a seaweed, an agro-food by-product, any fraction thereof, or any combination thereof. The shape and compression of a composite as described herein was designed to guarantee a controlled and gradual release of volatile organic compounds that allow a specific sensorial experience, depending on the formulation of each composite (disc). According to the present disclosure, composites as described herein are designed in terms of dimensions, mass, and plant-based materials, to be sufficient in themselves to release volatile compounds, without the need of heating.

[027] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a pressed composite. As used herein, a “pressed composite" refers to a material or product that is by subjecting a plant-based materials to specific pressure conditions. According to the present disclosure, a pressed composite is obtained without the need of using any additives or binders. According to the present disclosure, a composite (pressed composite) consists of the plant-based material/s as described herein. The terms “pressed composite” and “pressed plant-based material” are used interchangeably in the context of the present disclosure. [028] As used herein, the term “plant-based” refers to materials and products that are partially or wholly derived from plants or other renewable agricultural, aquatic, or forestry inputs. The present disclosure is based, in part, on the finding that a composite as described herein comprises all-natural plant-based raw materials being sustainable since it uses by-products from agri-food processes, such as citrus peels and winemaking pomace.

[029] The present disclosure is based, in part, on the finding that a composite as described herein presents aromas similar to natural aromas since the plant-based materials used undergo minimal processing.

[030] The present disclosure is based, in part, on the finding that the composites as described herein are very stable since they are produced with solid natural products, combined in specific proportions as described herein and pressed under specific conditions as described herein.

[031] In a composite as described herein, volatile compounds are gradually released from the solid phase into the air. This phase transfer is slower when it occurs from the solid phase (solid plant materials) where volatile compounds are incorporated into the air, than from liquid matrices into the air. Furthermore, stability is due to greater protection of the compounds in these solid matrices, where there is less incorporation of oxygen, compared to the more common essential oils.

[032] A composite formulation comprises one plant-based material or a mixture of plant-based materials in specific proportions as described herein, in order to contain sufficient aggregating agents to guarantee the production and stability of the composite shape and also to contain volatile organic compounds in a given concentration, which guarantees the obtaining of specific aromas, in given intensity and stability of aromas over time. In some embodiments, a composite formulation consists of one plant-based material or a mixture of plant-based materials in specific proportions as described herein. [033] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a pressed composite for olfactory skill training.

[034] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composite comprising a pressed plant-based material wherein pressed plant-based material has a moisture content of less than 8% weight per weight (w/w). In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composite consisting of a pressed plant-based material wherein the pressed plant-based material has a moisture content of less than 8% weight per weight (w/w). The present disclosure is based, in part, on the finding that a moisture content of less than 8% (w/w) is essential to control water activity and reduce microbial development, increasing the lifespan of the composites.

[035] According to the present disclosure, a composite as described herein is characterized by a controlled release of volatile organic compounds. This controlled release results from the type of formulation (a plant-based material or a mixture of plantbased materials), as well as from the time and pressing applied force to produce the composites, and also from storage conditions.

[036] In some embodiments, the plant-based material has a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm. In some embodiments, the plant-based material has a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm. In some embodiments, the plant-based material has a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, and a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm.

[037] In some embodiments, the plant-based material is selected from: an herb, an aromatic plant, a fruit, a spice, a seed, a vegetable, a whole grain, a legume, a nut, a tuber, a root, a hemp, an alga, a seaweed, an agro-food by-product, any fraction thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the plant-based material is selected from the group consisting of: whole plant-based material, a plant-based material biomass, a plantbased material filtrate, a plant-based material concentrate, a plant-based material extrudate, any fraction thereof, and any combination thereof.

[038] In some embodiments, the composite comprises at least two plant-based materials, in a ratio between 5:1 and 1.5:0.1 (w/w), preferably between 4: 1 to 2:0.2. In some embodiments, the composite consists of at least two plant-based materials, in a ratio between 5: 1 and 1.5:0.1 (w/w), preferably between 4: 1 to 2:0.2. In some embodiments the composite comprises at least three plant-based materials, in a ratio between 2:0.1 :0.5 and 3: 1 :2, preferably between 2.1 :0.3:0.5 and 2.9:0.7:1.5.

[039] In some embodiments, the plant-based material comprises ginger rhizome, grape pomace, rosemary leaf, tangerine peel, maltodextrin from tapioca, oregano leaf, anise seed, or any combination thereof. [040] In some embodiments, the plant-based material comprises rosemary having a particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm. In some embodiments, the plant-based material consists of rosemary having a particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm.

[041] In some embodiments, the plant-based material comprises ginger rhizome and grape pomace, each having a particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm. In some embodiments, the plant-based material consists of ginger rhizome and grape pomace, each having a particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm.

[042] In some embodiments, the plant-based material comprises tangerine peel having a particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, grape pomace having a particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, and maltodextrin from tapioca having a particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm. In some embodiments, the plant-based material consists of tangerine peel having a particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, grape pomace having a particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, and maltodextrin from tapioca having a particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm.

[043] In some embodiments, the plant-based material comprises grape pomace having a particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, and anise seeds having a particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm. In some embodiments, the plant-based material consists of grape pomace having a particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, and anise seeds having a particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm.

[044] In some embodiments, the plant-based material comprises oregano leaves having a particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, and maltodextrin from tapioca having a particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm. In some embodiments, the plant-based material consists of oregano leaves having a particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, and maltodextrin from tapioca having a particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm.

[045] In some embodiments, a composite as described hereinabove has a weight between 1 g and 10 g, preferably between 2 g and 8 g, more preferably between 3 g and 5 g-

[046] In some embodiments, a composite as described hereinabove has a shelf-life of at least 6 months.

[047] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a kit comprising at least one composite as described hereinabove. [048] In some embodiments, the kit comprises at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, or at least 6 composites. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, each composite is sealed inside a container.

[049] In some embodiments, the kit further comprises at least one container, wherein the at least one composite is sealed inside the container.

[050] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a kit (suitable for olfactory training) comprising a plurality of sealed containers, each container comprising a pressed plant-based material (composite as described herein). In some embodiments, each composite has a specific and distinct odor.

[051] In some embodiments, the containers are hermetically sealed to preserve the freshness and potency of the odors (volatile organic compounds).

[052] A kit as described herein is suitable for providing a user with a range of olfactory stimuli for e.g., training and enhancing their sense of smell. Each container is filled with a pressed plant-based material (composite) that releases a characteristic scent (volatile organic compounds) when the container is opened.

[053] In some embodiments, the container is configured to be opened and closed several times. In some embodiments, the at least one container and the at least one composite are configured to be used several times. In some embodiments, the at least one container and the at least one composite are configured to be re-used. In some embodiments, a container and composite as described herein are configured to be used several times a day, a week and/or a month. A container and composite as described herein are configured to be used at least 2 times, at least 5 times, at least 10 times, or at least 20 times a day, a week and/or a month. Each option represents a separate embodiment according to the present disclosure. The number of usages of a container and/or composite is configured according to a use as described herein and a user’s needs. [054] In some embodiments, a ratio between a volume of a composite and a volume of a container is between 3:50 and 4:25.

[055] The present disclosure is based, in part, on the finding that a volume ratio between the container and the composite as described herein, maximizes a sensorial effect of the composite while also maximizing its shelf-life.

[056] The present disclosure is based, in part, on the finding that a ratio between a volume of a composite and a volume of a container as described herein is essential to preserve and maintain a desired and adequate concentration of volatile compounds in a container, and/or preserve and maintain a gradual release of volatile compounds.

[057] In some embodiments, the container is made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass (transparent or opaque), thin-walled film or plastic (transparent or opaque), paperboard-based, foil, rigid plastic, or metal (e.g., aluminum).

[058] In some embodiments, the content of the kit is packaged, as described below, to allow for storage of the components until they are needed.

[059] In some embodiments, some or all components of the kit may be packaged in suitable packaging to maintain sterility.

[060] In some embodiments, composites are stored in separate containers within the main kit containment element e.g., box or analogous structure, may or may not be an airtight container, e.g., to further preserve the sterility of some or all of the components of the kit.

[061] In some embodiments, the dosage amount of the composite provided in a kit may be sufficient for a single application or for multiple applications.

[062] In some embodiments, the kit may have multiple composites individually packaged such that certain kits may have more than one container of a composite.

[063] In some embodiments, multiple dosage amounts of the composites may be packed in single separate containers.

[064] In some embodiments, the kit comprises instructions for usage. In some embodiments, the kit comprises instructions and guidance for olfactory training exercises. [065] In some embodiments, the instructions may be recorded on a suitable recording medium or substrate. For example, the instructions may be printed on a substrate, such as paper or plastic, etc. In some embodiments, the instructions may be present in the kit as a package insert, in the labeling of the container of the kit or components thereof (i.e., associated with the packaging or sub -packaging) etc. In other embodiments, the instructions are present as an electronic storage data file present on a suitable computer readable storage medium, e.g., USB flash drive, CD-ROM, diskette, etc. In other embodiments, the actual instructions are not present in the kit, but means for obtaining the instructions from a remote source, e.g., via the internet, are provided. An example of this embodiment is a kit that includes a web address where the instructions can be viewed and/or from which the instructions can be downloaded. As with the instructions, this means for obtaining the instructions is recorded on a suitable substrate.

[066] According to the present disclosure, a composite and kit as described herein are designed to improve a user's sense of smell through targeted olfactory training.

[067] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing a composite.

[068] In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: pressing a plantbased material with a force from 5 Ton to 30 Ton, wherein the plant-based material has a moisture content of less than 8% (w/w), and a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, or a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, or both, thereby obtaining the composite.

[069] In some embodiments, the pressing is carried out for a period of time between 1 minute and 10 minutes, preferably between 1 minute and 5 minutes. The present disclosure is based, in part, on the finding that the pressing time is an essential factor, for obtaining a composite with the desired final aggregation of materials and stability. Even if a high force is applied, but for a period of time of less than described herein (less than one minute), the desired pressing effect is not achieved, and the material does not aggregate well.

[070] In some embodiments, the pressing is carried out in a mold. According to the present disclosure, a variety of molds with different shapes can be used to obtain a composite with a shape (form) of a disc, a pellet, a cube, or a sphere.

[071] In some embodiments, pressing is hydraulic pressing. In some embodiments pressing is carried out in a hydraulic press.

[072] In some embodiments, pressing is carried out in a mold and in a hydraulic press. [073] According to the present disclosure, the pressing conditions as described hereinabove are for preparing one composite (disc) at a time.

[074] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing multiple composites. A method as described hereinabove is suitable to prepare several composites at a time by using a multiple mold and using a pressure force per surface equivalent to the pressure force used for a single disc as described hereinabove.

[075] In some embodiments, method further comprises the steps of: drying a plantbased material, thereby obtaining a plant-based material with a moisture content of less than 8% (w/w); grinding the plant-based material into a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, or a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, or both; and homogenizing the plant-based material, wherein the steps precede the step of pressing the plant-based material.

[076] Reference is made to Figure 1 which is a flowchart of a method for producing a composite, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of i) drying a plant-based material, thereby obtaining a plant-based material with a moisture content of less than 8% (w/w); ii) grinding the plant-based material into a first mean particle size between 35 pm and 250 pm, or a second mean particle size between 1000 pm and 3000 pm, or both; iii) homogenizing the plant-based material, and iv) pressing a plant-based material with a force from 5 Ton to 30 Ton, for a period of time as described hereinabove, thereby obtaining a composite.

[077] In some embodiments, the method further comprises a step v) of packaging the composites. In some embodiments, packaging the composites comprises sealing the composite inside a container. In some embodiments, a ratio between a volume of a composite and a volume of a container is between 3:50 and 4:25.

[078] In some embodiments, step i) drying is by dehydration or freeze drying. In some embodiments, in step ii) grinding is using a knife mill.

[079] In some embodiments, step iii) further comprises weighing the plant-based material and mixing the plant-based material. In some embodiments, weighing the plantbased material is to a total weight between 1 g and 10 g, preferably between 2 g and 8 g, more preferably between 3 g and 5 g.

[080] The present disclosure is based, in part, on the finding that the drying a plantbased material step is essential to control water activity and reduce microbial development, thereby increasing the lifespan of materials and composites.

[081] In some embodiments, the composite is a composite as described hereinabove. According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a use of a composite as described hereinabove, for recovery of olfactory function, olfactory skill training, olfactory sensory experience, or any combination thereof. [082] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a use of a kit as described hereinabove, for recovery of olfactory function, olfactory skill training, olfactory sensory experience or any combination thereof.

[083] According to the present disclosure a composite as described herein is for multiple uses (is used multiple times).

[084] According to the present disclosure, the use of a combination of composites (discs) as described herein, in a complementary way, stimulates an olfactory system, since there is a specificity between olfactory receptors in the nasal cavity and volatile compounds released from the composites.

[085] According to the present disclosure, a composite and kit as described herein, is designed to assist users in improving their sense of smell through the inhalation of scents (volatile organic compounds) released by the plant-based materials.

[086] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

[087] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof. [088] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this disclosure may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween. [089] As used herein the term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.

[090] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

EXAMPLES

[091 ] Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions illustrate some embodiments of the disclosure in a non-limiting fashion.

EXAMPLE 1

COMPOSITIONS

[092] Table 1 presents exemplary composites and their components (plant-based materials).

Table 1.

* all the constituents have a moisture content of less than 8% (w/w) [093] Exemplary composite discs, according to Table 1, have a disc size of: 6-7 mm x 28-30 mm (h x 0), and a total composite disc weight of 4 g ± 0.2 g.

[094] The preparation of composites follows a series of steps (Figure 1). According to the present disclosure, the first step is 1. Drying a plant-based material. Drying is performed by dehydration or freeze-drying until a water content of less than 8% (w/w) is obtained. This is followed by 2. Grinding, using a knife mill, and grinding into two ranges of granulometry: 1) 35 pm to 250 pm, or 2) 1000 pm to 3000 pm. Followed by 3. Formulation - Weighing, mixing and homogenization of the one or more plant-based material. 4. Pressing: hydraulic pressing of powders in metallic casting molds, with a force between 5t and 30 t for a period of time between 3 minutes and 5 minutes. And 5. Packaging of the composite discs.

[095] Disc N°1 releases volatile compounds, such as bisabolene and zingiberene, which provide the naturally refreshing and pungent aroma, with citrus notes, characteristic of ginger.

[096] Disc N°2 releases volatile compounds, such as 1,8-cineole and camphor, which give the characteristic aroma of rosemary leaves, with herbaceous, vegetable, pine notes, as well as notes of hay and wood, which are developed during drying.

[097] Disc N°3 releases volatile compounds, such as D-limonene, linalool and y- terpinene, which provide the naturally refreshing and citrus aroma, characteristic of tangerine, as well as sweet notes, which are developed during drying.

[098] Disc N°4 releases volatile compounds, such as linalool and anethole, which give the natural aroma of ripe grapes, in which the intense, refreshing and sweet notes, characteristic of fennel, stand out.

[099] Disc N°5 releases volatile compounds, such as carvacrol, thymol and y- terpinene, which give the natural and characteristic aroma of oregano leaves, with light herbaceous and vegetal notes.

[0100] Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.