Introduction
Kalmegh
Most of the world's population, especially in less developed countries, mainly depends on traditional doctors and herbal medicines to meet their basic health needs.1 The association with conventional drugs poses a number of problems. For this reason, experts have recently revised their assessment of many medicinal plant species based on the differences between the species and their therapeutic potential. It is therefore essential to review previously published literature on this species to refresh our knowledge of them. Andrographis paniculata is one of them (Acanthaceae). It includes about 40 species and has been around for millennia. It is native to India Sri Lanka and is also distributed in different parts of Southeast Asia, China, America and the West Indies. It grows well in almost any soil so it is widely distributed. It has been cultivated for its recognized therapeutic potential.2 The aerial parts and roots of A.paniculata have been widely used in the treatment of various diseases. He is called Mahatikta in (Sanskrit), Kiryato in (Gujarati), Mahatita in (Hindi) and Kalmegh in (Bengali).3 Various studies have been done by researchers, followed by reports on the therapeutic potential of this herb. Phytochemical studies show that A.paniculata contains various compounds such as diterpenoid lactones, flavonoids and various compounds. Due to their presence, it has many pharmacological properties.4, 5, 6 This phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of A.paniculata (extracts and compounds) shows it has potential antimicrobial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory protozoa, antidiabetic, anti-infective, immunostimulating, hepatoprotective, sex hormone regulation, liver enzyme modulation, cytotoxicity, insecticidal, neuroprotective activities, antitumor, antipyretic and antiplatelet.
Herbal syrup
Herbal syrups prepared by adding concentrated extracts of herbs with sugar and alcohol have also been used. Herbal syrup is made with decoction. Mixing an herb with sugar helps to thicken the recipe and preserve it. This increases the shelf life of the formula. Added sweeteners can also help enhance the flavor of some herbs. The resulting syrup is delicious! It is defined as a thick, sticky liquid consisting of a concentrated solution of sugar and water with or without added flavoring or medicinal ingredients7, 8, 9
Following are the ingredients used in formulation
Kalmegh Extract: It is used in various herbal and ayurvedic treatment of cancer. The Soxhlet extracted alcoholic extract was obtained which was further filtered and used.
Orange oil: It consist of fruit of plant citrus aurantium. It contains not less than 2.5% of volatile oil. It uses as antioxidant, anti-cancer, and neurodegenerative disorder.10
Alcohol: It uses in small quantity act as preservative.
Invert sugar base: It was prepared by mixing 2 cups (480 mL) of water with 4.4 cups (1 kg) of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar in a pot. The mixture was boiled over medium heat until it reaches 236°F (114°C), stirring occasionally. Next, remove the mixture from the heat, cover, and let cool.11
Materials and Methods
Herbal syrup is prepared by the method of decoction. Kalmegh extract is obtained as a fine extract from Herbal Creations Pvt Ltd. The extract was prepared with an ethanol, extracted to obtain ethanol-specific active ingredients by the Soxhlet extraction method. Furthermore, the extract was filtered, and the extracts of the quantities used as shown in the table were used to prepare formulations F1 to F4. All extracts were mixed and 50ml of syrup was obtained. Dyes, flavoring agents were added to it. This resulting syrup is transferred to an amber bottle, tightly closed, and placed in a cool, dry place. Preparation of medicinal syrup: The preparation of medicinal syrup is carried out according to the quantities listed in Tables 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the evaluation parameters are given in Table 6.
Table 2
Formulation No.1 (F1) - for 50ml.
|
Sr. No |
Ingredient |
Quantity |
|
1. |
Kalmegh extract |
7ml |
|
2. |
Orange oil |
5ml |
|
4. |
Invert Sugar Base |
38ml |
Table 3
Formulation 2 (F2) - For 50ml.
|
Sr. No. |
Ingredient |
Quantity |
|
1. |
Kalmegh extract |
5ml |
|
2. |
Orange oil |
2ml |
|
3. |
Invert Sugar Base |
33ml |
|
4. |
Alcohol |
10ml |
In above formula (F2), we used alcohol because in the formulation number 1 (F1), sugar was not able to inhibit the growth of fungi, so we use alcohol.
Table 4
Formulation 3 (F3) - For 50ml.
|
Sr. No. |
Ingredient |
Quantity |
|
1. |
Kalmegh extract |
8ml |
|
2. |
Orange oil |
2ml |
|
3. |
Invert Sugar Base |
33ml |
|
4.3. |
Alcohol |
7ml |
The formulation number 2 was rejected because of more quantity of alcohol is use. In this formula we use alcohol as minimum quantity.
Table 5
Formulation 4 (F4) – For 50ml.
|
Sr. No. |
Ingredient |
Quantity |
|
1. |
Kalmegh extract |
15 ml |
|
2. |
Orange oil |
4ml |
|
4. |
Invert Sugar base |
20ml |
|
5. |
Alcohol |
11 ml |
Following evaluation parameters were performed on formulation 4 (F4).
Evaluation parameter
Density
It was evaluated by Formula as given below,
Formula for density: Density of liquid under test (syrup) = weight of liquid under test
/volume of liquid under test = w3/v.
Specific gravity
Specific Gravity was evaluated by the formula as given below
Specific gravity of liquid under test (syrup) = weight of liquid under test /weight of water = w5/w4.
Result and Discussion
The final formulation (F4) was obtained is stable than formulations F1, F2, F3. The formulation (F4) was obtained by minimizing the error in formulation F1, F2, F3. The formulation (F4) having antioxidant property hence it will be very helpful for researchers as well as industries to make the similar formulations on large scale.
Table 6
Evaluation of herbal syrup
Conclusion
The Herbal formulation was prepared and F4 can be formulated and prepared on large scale.
Acknowledgment
I express my gratitude to Dr Amit G. Nerkar, for funding this project through Ateos Foundation of Science Education and Research and for his precious suggestions and guidance for the completion of my project. We would like to express our obligation to CAYMET’s Siddhant College of Pharmacy, for providing all the necessary facilities to conduct the research work.
