Plant extracts and uses thereof in filter systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for reducing the concentration of noxious substances in gases and smoke. Filters comprising plant extracts, such as parenchyma tissue extract and mesophyll cell extract, are also provided, as well as methods for making same.

1 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A filter for reducing the toxicity or cytotoxicity of a fume, wherein the filter comprising a carrier material and a plant extract comprising at least one of a chlorenchyma tissue extract and a mesophyll cell extract. 
     
     
         41 . The filter of  claim 40  wherein the plant extract is selected from the group consisting of: an algae extract, a bryophyte extract, and vascular plant extract. 
     
     
         42 . The filter of  claim 41  wherein the vascular plant extract is selected from the group consisting of: a lettuce extract and a spinach extract. 
     
     
         43 . The filter of  claim 40  wherein the plant extract is a  Spinacia oleraceae  extract. 
     
     
         44 . The filter of  claim 40  wherein the plant extract comprises intact membrane constituents. 
     
     
         45 . The filter of  claim 40  wherein the fume is selected from the group comprising a combustion gas, an environmental gas, an automotive gas, a domestic gas, an industrial gas, and smoke. 
     
     
         46 . The filter of  claim 45  wherein the gas is tobacco smoke. 
     
     
         47 . The filter of  claim 40  wherein the carrier material is a porous material. 
     
     
         48 . The filter of  claim 40  wherein the composition further comprises at least one of an activated charcoal and an ion exchange resin. 
     
     
         49 . The filter of  claim 40  wherein the carrier material comprises a cellulose. 
     
     
         50 . The filter of  claim 40  wherein the plant extract has a total chlorophyll concentration of between 0.03 and 1100 ng/g of dried plant extract. 
     
     
         51 . The filter of  claim 40 , wherein the plant extract has a total chlorophyll concentration of between 0.05 and 50 ng/g of dried plant extract. 
     
     
         52 . The filter of  claim 40 , wherein the concentration of the plant extract in the carrier material is between 0.005 and 200 mg/cm 3  of carrier material. 
     
     
         53 . (canceled) 
     
     
         54 . The filter of  claim 40  being adapted to fit a cigarette. 
     
     
         55 - 58 . (canceled) 
     
     
         59 . A cigarette comprising the filter of  claim 40 . 
     
     
         60 - 61 . (canceled)