Preparation and Formulation of Adulsa Cough Syrup

Herbal Syrup

An herbal syrup is a type of liquid dosage form that combines the beneficial properties of medicinal herbs with a sweetened solution to create an easy-to-consume and effective herbal remedy. It is a phytopharmaceutical formulation that harnesses the active ingredients from plant sources to treat or alleviate specific health conditions, especially those related to the respiratory, digestive, and immune systems. Herbal syrups are typically formulated by extracting the active compounds from medicinal herbs through processes like infusion, decoction, or tincture extraction. These herbal extracts are then mixed with sweeteners, which not only improve the taste but also serve as a stabilizing agent for the formulation. The resulting syrup is typically viscous and comes in a liquid form, making it easier for the body to absorb and ensuring faster therapeutic action compared to solid dosage forms like tablets or capsules. The growing preference and market demand for herbal syrups can be attributed to several key factors that reflect broader shifts in consumer behavior and global health trends. As people become increasingly health-conscious, there is a notable shift towards natural remedies and alternatives to synthetic medications. Consumers are becoming more aware of the side effects and long-term risks associated with pharmaceutical drugs, which is driving them to seek safer, gentler options such as herbal syrups. These syrups, made from natural ingredients like Tulsi, Ginger, Licorice, and Honey, are often seen as healthier alternatives for treating common ailments such as colds, coughs, and digestive issues. Furthermore, there is a rising interest in holistic health approaches, where people are looking not just for treatments but for ways to maintain overall well-being. Herbal syrups, often formulated to support immune function, detoxification, and stress relief, fit well into this wellness-oriented mindset. The growing availability of high-quality herbal ingredients and advanced extraction technologies has further contributed to the expansion of the herbal syrup market, making these products both effective and consistent in quality. Additionally, the convenience and palatability of herbal syrups make them an attractive option for a wide range of consumers, from children to the elderly. The sweet taste of syrups makes them easier to consume compared to bitter herbal tablets or capsules, ensuring better patient compliance. With increasing awareness through digital platforms and global health movements, consumers are more informed and willing to explore alternative medicine, further fueling the demand for herbal syrups. The regulatory support in many countries has also played a significant role, as governments and health organizations provide guidelines that ensure the safety and effectiveness of herbal products, boosting consumer confidence. As a result, the herbal syrup market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a combination of consumer awareness, natural health trends, and advances in herbal production.

Key Features of Herbal Syrups:

1. Sweetened Herbal Liquids: Most commonly made by dissolving herbal extracts in water or alcohol, combined with a sweetening agent such as sucrose, honey, or jaggery.
2. Extracts and Decoctions: The main ingredients of herbal syrups are often extracted using water or ethanol, either through boiling or soaking methods, to release the active plant compounds.
3. Viscosity: Herbal syrups have a thicker consistency compared to regular liquids, achieved by the sweetener and added thickeners (like glycerin or honey).
4. Oral Administration: Herbal syrups are designed to be taken orally, making them a convenient choice for people who have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules.

Scientific Basis of Herbal Syrups:

Herbal syrups are not just about taste—they are based on sound scientific principles of phytochemistry and pharmacognosy. The active constituents extracted from medicinal herbs typically contain bioactive molecules such as:

• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Terpenoids
• Phenolic acids

These phytochemicals are responsible for the therapeutic properties of the syrup, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. The effectiveness of herbal syrups lies in the careful selection of plant species that work synergistically to address specific health concerns.

How Herbal Syrups Work:

1. Synergistic Action: When multiple herbs are combined in a syrup, their medicinal effects can complement each other. For example, one herb may act as an anti-inflammatory, while another may have antioxidant or immunomodulatory properties, working together for a broader therapeutic effect.
2. Absorption: Due to their liquid form, herbal syrups are absorbed more rapidly through the gastrointestinal tract compared to solid dosage forms like tablets, leading to quicker onset of action.
3. Localized or Systemic Action: Depending on the herbs used, herbal syrups may act locally (e.g., soothing a sore throat or alleviating indigestion) or have a systemic effect (e.g., enhancing overall immunity or providing antioxidants).

Common Indications for Herbal Syrups:

Herbal syrups are versatile and can be used for a variety of health concerns:

1. Respiratory Health:

O Cough (productive or dry)

O Sore throat

O Bronchitis and asthma

2. Digestive Health:

O Indigestion, bloating, and gas

O Nausea or vomiting

3. Immune Support:

O Boosting immunity during cold and flu season

O General tonics for strength and vitality

4. Anti-inflammatory/Analgesic:

O Joint pain, arthritis, or inflammation-related conditions

5. General Wellness:

O Detoxification, fatigue, and weakness

Objectives of Herbal Syrup Formulation

The formulation of herbal syrups serves multiple purposes, ensuring that the final product is both therapeutically effective and patient-friendly. The objectives of herbal syrup formulation can be broken down into the following:

1. Therapeutic Effectiveness

The primary objective of any herbal syrup formulation is to deliver the therapeutic benefits of the herbal ingredients in a way that is effective for the target condition.

• Efficacy of Active Compounds: Herbal syrups are created to maximize the bioavailability of the active ingredients found in the medicinal herbs, ensuring they are effectively absorbed by the body and produce the desired therapeutic effects.
• Synergy of Herbal Ingredients: In polyherbal formulations, the combination of multiple herbs is aimed at providing synergistic effects, where the therapeutic actions of individual herbs enhance one another. For example, in a cough syrup containing Adhatoda vasica (Adulsa), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), each herb contributes specific actions such as expectoration, anti-inflammatory effects, and soothing properties to provide comprehensive relief.

2. Safety and Minimal Side Effects

An important goal when formulating herbal syrups is to ensure patient safety and minimize any adverse reactions:

• Use of Safe and Natural Ingredients: Herbal syrups should primarily contain natural ingredients that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and have a low risk of side effects. This is especially crucial in formulations designed for children, the elderly, and pregnant women, where medication safety is a concern.
• Non-Toxic: Unlike synthetic drugs, herbal syrups are usually designed to be free from toxic effects and do not carry the risk of dependency or long-term side effects.

3. Palatability and Patient Compliance

A major challenge in the pharmaceutical industry is ensuring that medications are acceptable and palatable, especially for younger patients and the elderly who may have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. Herbal syrups are an ideal solution because:

• Pleasant Taste: One of the key objectives in the formulation of herbal syrups is to enhance the flavor using sweeteners like honey, jaggery, or sucrose. The sweet taste helps mask any bitterness from the herbal ingredients and makes the syrup more appealing.

• Easy Administration: Liquid dosage forms are easier to administer compared to solid forms, especially for those who are unable to swallow pills or have difficulty with swallowing (dysphagia).

• Compliance: A well-tasting syrup encourages patients to stick to their prescribed regimen, improving the effectiveness of treatment.

4. Improved Absorption and Bioavailability

Herbal syrups are designed to provide better absorption of active herbal ingredients compared to tablets or capsules due to their liquid form:

• Rapid Absorption: Because the active ingredients in herbal syrups are already in a dissolved or suspended form, they are absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream via the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to faster onset of action.

• Bioavailability: Liquid formulations typically have higher bioavailability (the degree to which the active ingredients are available for absorption by the body) than solid forms.

5. Extended Shelf Life and Stability

Herbal syrups must maintain their therapeutic efficacy and quality over time. The formulation should ensure that:

• Stability of Active Ingredients: The active compounds from the herbs must remain stable and potent throughout the shelf life of the syrup. This can be achieved through proper extraction methods, preservative use, and optimal formulation strategies.
• Microbial Safety: Preservatives like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate are added to ensure that the syrup remains free from microbial contamination, especially given that syrups are water-based formulations, which are prone to bacterial growth.
• Viscosity: Properly formulated syrups maintain the desired viscosity and texture, ensuring that the syrup remains consistent over time and doesn't separate or become too thin or too thick.

6. Ease of Use and Convenience

One of the objectives of herbal syrup formulation is to make it user-friendly for the consumer:

• Convenient Packaging: Herbal syrups are often packaged in bottles, which are easy to carry, measure, and administer. Bottles can come with measuring caps or droppers to ensure accurate dosing.
• Multi-Use: Herbal syrups can be used for long-term health management or to treat acute conditions, making them versatile for everyday use and for managing specific health issues.

7. Natural and Sustainable Alternatives

As part of a growing demand for natural products, herbal syrups are increasingly viewed as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic medications. The key objectives here include:

• Plant-Based Ingredients: Herbal syrups use ingredients derived from plants, contributing to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

• Non-Synthetic Chemicals: The avoidance of artificial additives or chemicals helps align the formulation with eco-friendly and green chemistry principles.

8. Cost-Effectiveness

Herbal syrups are generally more affordable than prescription drugs, especially for common ailments such as cough, cold, and indigestion. Some of the objectives of formulating herbal syrups are:

• Affordable Pricing: Herbal syrups made from locally available herbs can be relatively inexpensive, making them accessible to a larger population.
• Cost-Effective Production: Since many of the herbs used in syrup formulations are easily cultivated and sustainable, the production costs are generally lower than synthetic pharmaceutical formulations.

Drug Profile

1. Adulsa (Justicia adhatoda)

• Family: Acanthaceae
• Common Names: Vasaka, Malabar nut
• Part Used: Leaves
• Active Constituents: Vasicine, vasicinone
• Medicinal Uses:
  • Acts as a natural expectorant
  • Used in asthma, bronchitis, and productive cough
  • Has bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties
  • Traditional Use: In Ayurvedic formulations like Vasavaleha and cough syrups

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Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

• Family: Lamiaceae
• Common Names: Holy Basil
• Part Used: Leaves
• Active Constituents: Eugenol, ursolic acid, carvacrol, rosmarinic acid
• Medicinal Uses:

O Known as an adaptogen (helps the body cope with stress)

O Has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial actions

O Used in respiratory conditions, cold, fever, and to enhance immunity

• Traditional Use: Common in herbal teas, kashayams, and immunity boosters

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3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

• Family: Zingiberaceae
• Part Used: Rhizome
• Active Constituents: Gingerols, shogaols, zingerone
• Medicinal Uses:
  • Acts as an antiemetic, carminative, and anti-inflammatory agent
  • Useful for nausea, indigestion, sore throat, cough, and arthritis
  • Possesses antioxidant, analgesic, and antimicrobial effects
• Traditional Use: Widely used in Ayurveda for warming and digestive properties   

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4. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Family: Fabaceae
• Part Used: Root
• Active Constituents: Glycyrrhizin, liquiritin, glabridin
• Medicinal Uses:
  • Known for its demulcent (soothing), expectorant, and anti-inflammatory effects
  • Commonly used in cough, sore throat, gastritis, and ulcers
  • Shows antiviral, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective activities
  • Traditional Use: A key ingredient in herbal cough syrups, decoctions, and gut health formulations  

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Literature review

1. Singh, R., & Sharma, D. (2013).

Title: Herbal Syrups: A Review of Formulation and Benefits
Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research
Summary: This review discusses the formulation of herbal syrups, highlighting the types of herbs used, preparation methods, and their therapeutic benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties.

2. Patel, H. V., & Patel, M. M. (2010).

Title: Herbal Syrups: A Liquid Alternative for Therapeutic Uses
Journal: International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy
Summary: This paper provides an overview of the liquid dosage forms in herbal medicine, focusing on the formulation of herbal syrups and their therapeutic applications for various diseases, such as cough, digestive disorders, and respiratory conditions.

3. Bacchi, S. M., & Leão, M. L. (2021).

Title: Herbal Medicines and Herbal Syrups Market: Current Trends and Future Prospects
Journal: Journal of Herbal Medicine
Summary: This review examines the global market trends for herbal syrups, discussing the increasing consumer preference for natural products over synthetic medications and the rising demand for herbal-based therapeutics.

4. Rana, A. R., & Jain, P. (2017).

Title: The Demand for Herbal Medicines in the Modern Healthcare System
Journal: Pharmaceutical Innovations
Summary: The article highlights the growing interest in herbal remedies as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional medicines. It explores the increasing acceptance of herbal syrups in integrative medicine.

5. Saurabh, S. R., & Sharma, A. (2020).

Title: Market Trends in Herbal Medicine: Focus on Syrups and Liquid Dosage Forms
Journal: Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
Summary: This paper investigates the increasing demand for herbal syrups as a liquid dosage form, analyzing their advantages, including rapid absorption, palatability, and ease of administration.

6. Chaudhary, P., & Kumawat, M. (2014).

Title: Pharmacological Benefits of Herbal Syrups: A Review

Journal: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Summary: This review outlines the pharmacological properties of herbal syrups, including their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cough, and immune-boosting effects. It emphasizes the therapeutic efficacy of common ingredients like Tulsi, Licorice, and Ginger.

7. Babu, P. M., & Muthusamy, P. (2017).

Title: Herbal Syrups: Benefits and Potential Uses

Journal: International Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Summary: This literature review discusses the benefits of herbal syrups in the treatment of respiratory and digestive disorders, highlighting their non-toxic nature and their potential as an alternative to synthetic drugs.

8. Kaur, G., & Kumar, S. (2016).

Title: Herbal Syrups as a Source of Alternative Medicine: Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

Journal: Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Summary: The review covers the therapeutic uses of herbal syrups, emphasizing their potential in treating common ailments such as cough, cold, digestive issues, and immune system support. It highlights the safety and efficacy of herbal ingredients.

9. Kumar, S., & Prasad, S. (2015).

Title: The Efficacy of Herbal Syrups in Treating Cough and Cold: A Review of Medicinal Herbs

Journal: International Journal of Herbal Medicine

Summary: This paper reviews the effectiveness of herbal syrups in treating respiratory conditions, particularly cough and cold, focusing on Adhatoda vasica, Ginger, and Honey as key ingredients.

10. Sharma, P., & Soni, M. (2018).

Title: Herbal Syrups: A Natural Remedy for Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Summary: This review examines the use of herbal syrups as alternative treatments for chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. It emphasizes the role of ingredients like Tulsi and Licorice in providing bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effect.

Aim:

The primary aim of formulating herbal syrups is to provide an effective, natural, and easy-to-administer alternative for the treatment of various health conditions. Herbal syrups are designed to harness the therapeutic benefits of plant-based ingredients and offer a safe, non-toxic, and effective solution to support healthcare needs while promoting holistic well-being. The aim is to combine the healing properties of herbs in a palatable and convenient liquid form, addressing both chronic and acute health conditions.

Objectives:

1. Formulate Safe and Effective Herbal Syrups:
   • Develop herbal syrup formulations that are safe, effective, and palatable for a wide range of consumers, including children, elderly, and individuals with swallowing difficulties.
   • Ensure the inclusion of natural, high-quality herbal ingredients with proven therapeutic effects, such as Tulsi, Ginger, Licorice, and Honey.
2. Ensure Therapeutic Efficacy:
   • Focus on the medicinal properties of the ingredients used, ensuring that the herbal syrup can address specific health concerns, such as respiratory issues, immune system support, digestive disorders, and anti-inflammatory effects.
   • Enhance the bioavailability of active compounds by selecting the appropriate extraction methods and formulating the syrup to ensure maximum absorption and efficacy.
3. Enhance Consumer Acceptance:
   • Create a syrup that is easy to consume, with a pleasant taste and user-friendly packaging. This ensures better patient compliance and greater acceptance, especially among children and older adults.
   • Provide a natural alternative to traditional medicines, offering a solution that is free from harmful chemicals and preservatives.

4. Meet Regulatory Standards:

O Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other regulatory requirements to ensure the herbal syrup formulation is safe, standardized, and consistently effective.

O Conduct proper quality control to ensure the final product is free from contaminants and meets all safety standards.

5. Promote Sustainable Practices:

O Use sustainable sourcing of raw materials, ensuring that herbs are ethically grown, harvested, and processed.

O Prioritize the eco-friendly packaging of herbal syrups to minimize environmental impact.

6. Expand Market Accessibility:

O Develop formulations that can be marketed to a broad consumer base, targeting specific health conditions and lifestyle needs.

O Explore the growing demand for herbal products and identify new market opportunities for herbal syrups in both local and international markets.

7. Educate Consumers on Benefits:

O Raise awareness about the health benefits of herbal syrups through consumer education campaigns, emphasizing their natural properties, safety, and efficacy.

O Encourage the use of herbal syrups as part of an overall preventive healthcare strategy, promoting natural well-being and reducing reliance on synthetic medications.

8.Incorporate Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science:

O Combine the rich traditional knowledge of herbal medicine with modern       scientific research to validate the efficacy and safety of the selected herbs. This includes conducting clinical trials or preclinical studies to support the therapeutic claims of the syrup formulation.

Plan of work

1. Conceptualization and Research

• Goal: Understand the therapeutic properties of key ingredients.
• Action: Research medicinal benefits, scientific studies, and best practices in herbal syrup formulations.

2. Selection and Procurement of Raw Materials

• Goal: Source high-quality ingredients.
• Action: Identify suppliers for organic and purity-verified herbs and natural honey; ensure ingredient sustainability and safety.

3. Formulation Strategy

• Goal: Develop an effective, palatable, and safe herbal syrup.
• Action: Formulate the syrup with precise proportions of active ingredients and excipients (e.g., honey, preservatives), maintaining flavor, texture, and efficacy.

4. Prototype Development

• Goal: Create an initial sample batch for testing.
• Action: Produce small batches of syrup to test for taste, consistency, and shelf life. Optimize ingredient proportions based on results.

5. Testing and Optimization

• Goal: Ensure quality, stability, and microbial safety.
• Action: Conduct stability tests, pH tests, and microbial safety assessments; adjust formulation based on feedback.

6. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

• Goal: Meet local and international health regulations.
• Action: Verify compliance with relevant health authorities (e.g., FDA or WHO); prepare necessary documentation for product registration.

7. Packaging Design

• Goal: Develop effective and safe packaging.
• Action: Choose packaging materials that preserve syrup quality, ensure easy use, and include appropriate labeling, including dosage and ingredients.

 8. Extraction of Herbal Actives

• • • Use methods like:
    • Decoction (boiling in water) for Adulsa, Tulsi, Ginger, and Licorice.
    • Filtration to remove plant residue.

  9. Preparation of Herbal Syrup

• Mix all herbal extracts in a defined ratio.
• Add honey, purified water, and preservatives (e.g., sodium benzoate).
• Stir well and adjust the final volume.

Material and Equipment

Materials:

1. Herbal Ingredients:

O Adulsa (Adhatoda vasica) leaves or extract

O Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaves or extract

O Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root or extract

O Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root or extract

O Honey (preferably organic)

2. Excipients:

O Purified water (for extraction and dilution)

O Glycerin (optional, for viscosity and preservation)

O Citric acid or sodium benzoate (optional, as preservatives)

O Sodium chloride (optional, for taste adjustment)

O Sugar syrup (optional, for flavor adjustment)

O Flavoring agents (optional, for taste enhancement if needed)

3. Packaging Materials:

O Glass or plastic bottles (dark-colored or UV-protective for shelf life)

O Tamper-evident seals

O Labels (with dosage instructions, ingredients, and safety warnings)

Equipment:

1. Herb Preparation:
   • Mortar and pestle or grinder (for grinding herbs if using dry forms)
   • Herbal extractor (for extracting the active ingredients from herbs)
   • Decoction vessel or steam distiller (for boiling or steaming herbs to extract their medicinal compounds)

2. Formulation Equipment:

O Mixing tank or stainless steel vessel (for blending ingredients)

O Stirring rod or mechanical stirrer (for proper blending)

O Beakers (for measuring and mixing liquids)

O Measuring spoons/cups (for precise measurement of excipients and ingredients)

O Viscometer (to check syrup viscosity)

3. Filtration and Purification:

O Filter paper or sieve (for removing plant material after extraction)

O Vacuum filtration unit (for quicker and more efficient filtration, if required)

4. Quality Control and Testing:

O pH meter (to test the pH level of the syrup)

O Refractometer (for determining the sugar content or concentration of active ingredients)

O Microbial testing kits (to ensure microbial safety of the syrup)

O Stability chambers (for conducting stability testing under different temperature and humidity conditions)

5. Packaging and Bottling:

O Filling machine (manual or automatic, depending on scale, for filling syrup into bottles)

O Capping machine (to seal the bottles securely)

O Labeling machine (for applying labels to bottles)

6. Sterilization:

O Autoclave or UV sterilizer (for sterilizing equipment and bottles to ensure safety and microbiological control

Formulation Of Adulsa Herbal Cough Syrup (50 mL)

Ingredients	Quantity per 50 mL	Function
Adulsa         (Justicia   adhatoda) Extract	5.0 mL	Expectorant, Antitussive
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) Extract	2.5 mL	Immunomodulator, Anti- inflammatory
Ginger (Zingiber  officinale) Extract	1.0 mL	Mucolytic, Anti-inflammatory
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extract	1.5 mL	Soothing Agent, Demulcent
Honey	7.5 mL	Natural sweetener, Antimicrobial
Sugar Syrup (66% w/w)	25.0 mL	Vehicle, Sweetener
Sodium Benzoate	0.05 g	Preservative
Citric Acid	0.25 g	pH Adjuster
Menthol / Lemon Flavor	0.25 mL	Flavoring Agent
Purified Water	q.s. to 50 mL	Solvent

Final Specifications:

• pH: 4.5 - 5.5
• Viscosity: Syrupy consistency
• Appearance: Clear brown liquid
• Dosage: 5-10 mL twice daily (or as per physician’s recommendation)

 Formulation & Extraction Sop for Adulsa Herbal Cough Syrup (50 mL)

1. Ingredients & Quantities

Ingredients	Quantity per 50 mL	Extraction Process
Adulsa (Justicia adhatoda) Extract	5.0 mL	Water decoction or hydroalcoholic extraction
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) Extract	2.5 mL	Aqueous or ethanolic extraction
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract	1.0 mL	Solvent extraction (Ethanol: Water, 70:30)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extract	1.5 mL	Hot water maceration
Honey	7.5 mL	Directly added
Sugar Syrup (66% w/w)	25.0 mL	Dissolution process
Sodium Benzoate	0.05 g	Dissolved in purified water
Citric Acid	0.25 g	pH Adjuster
Menthol / Lemon Flavor	0.25 mL	Added at the final stage
Purified Water	q.s. to 50 mL	Solvent

Extraction Process for Herbal Ingredients

Adulsa (Justicia adhatoda) Extract Preparation

Method:     Aqueous Decoction / Hydroalcoholic Extraction

Procedure:

1. 1. 1. Take 10 g of dried Adulsa leaves (or 20 g of fresh leaves).
      2. Crush into small pieces to increase surface area.
      3. Add to 200 mL of purified water in an extraction vessel.
      4. Heat the mixture to 60-70°C and maintain for 1-2 hours.
      5. Filter using 100-mesh filter cloth.
      6. Concentrate the filtrate under Sreduced pressure to get 5.0 mL extract.

2.2. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) Extract Preparation                                                                    

Method: Ethanolic or Aqueous

Procedure:

1. Take 5 g of dried Tulsi leaves (or 10 g fresh leaves).

2. Add to 100 mL of 50% ethanol-water mixture.

3. Macerate for 24 hours at room temperature with occasional stirring.

4. Filter and evaporate the solvent at low temperature (below 50°C).

5. Collect 2.5 mL of thick extract.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract Preparation

  Method: Solvent Extraction

  Procedure:

1. Take 3 g of dried Ginger powder (or 6 g of fresh ginger).
2. Add to 100 mL of ethanol-water mixture (70:30).
3. Macerate for 6-8 hours under mild heating (40-50°C).
4. Filter and evaporate under reduced pressure.
5. Collect 1.0 mL of concentrated extract.

2.4. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extract Preparation

Method: Hot Water Maceration

 Procedure:

1. Take 3 g of Licorice root powder.

2. Add to 100 mL of purified water and heat at 50-60°C for 4-6 hours.

3. Filter through muslin cloth or vacuum filter.

4. Concentrate the extract to obtain 1.5 mL of viscous extract.

Final Formulation Process

Preparation of Sugar Syrup

1. Take 25 mL of purified water in a stainless steel vessel.
2. Heat to 60-70°C and dissolve sucrose completely.
3. Filter through 100-mesh filter cloth.

3.2. Mixing of Herbal Extracts

1. Add the Adulsa, Tulsi, Ginger, and Licorice extracts into the prepared sugar syrup with continuous stirring.

2. Add honey, followed by citric acid and sodium benzoate.

3. Adjust the pH to 4.5-5.5 using citric acid solution.

4. Add menthol or lemon flavor for taste enhancement.

3.3. Filtration & Homogenization

1. Pass the syrup through a 100-mesh filter to remove any particulate matter.

2. Homogenize for uniform consistency.

3.4. Filling & Packaging

1. Transfer the filtered syrup into a sterile holding tank.

2. Fill into pre-sterilized amber glass or PET bottles using an automated filling machine.

3. Cap the bottles immediately and label as per regulatory requirements.

Evaluation Procedure

1. pH Measurement

Objective: To determine the acidity or alkalinity of the herbal syrup.

Procedure:

1. Calibrate the pH meter using standard buffer solutions (usually pH 4, 7, and 9.2).
2. Take 10 mL of herbal syrup in a clean beaker.
3. Dip the electrode of the pH meter into the syrup.
4. Wait until the reading stabilizes.
5. Record the pH value.

Note: Clean the electrode with distilled water before and after use.

2. Viscosity

Objective: To determine the flow behavior and thickness of the syrup.

Procedure (using Brookfield Viscometer):

1. Pour 100 mL of the herbal syrup into a beaker.
2. Place the beaker under the spindle of the viscometer.
3. Select the appropriate spindle (usually spindle no. 2 or 3) and speed (e.g., 10 rpm).
4. Start the instrument and allow the spindle to rotate in the syrup.
5. Record the viscosity value displayed in centipoise (cP) after stabilization.

3. Specific Gravity

Objective: To determine the density of the syrup compared to water.

Procedure:

1. Clean and dry a specific gravity bottle (pycnometer).

2. Weigh the empty bottle (W?).

3. Fill the bottle with distilled water and weigh (W?).

4. Empty and dry the bottle again, then fill it with the herbal syrup and weigh (W?).

5. Calculate specific gravity using the formula:

4. Refractive Index

Objective: To measure the extent to which the syrup bends light.

Procedure (using Abbe Refractometer):

1. Clean the prisms of the refractometer with alcohol and dry.
2. Place 2–3 drops of the syrup on the prism.
3. Close the cover and adjust the light and focus.
4. Read the refractive index value from the scale.
5. Clean the prism after use.

5. Sedimentation Test (24 Hours)

Objective: To check the physical stability of the syrup and observe any settling.

Procedure:

1. Pour 50 mL of the herbal syrup into a transparent measuring cylinder.

2. Keep the cylinder undisturbed at room temperature for 24 hours.

3. After 24 hours, observe and measure the volume of any sediment formed.

4. Note any changes in appearance, clarity, or layer separation.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

1. Organoleptic Properties

Parameter	Observation
Color	Clear brown
Odor	Pleasant, herbal
Taste	Sweet, characteristic
Texture	Smooth, viscous
Mouthfeel	Soothing, no irritation

The syrup had a consumer-friendly profile suitable for all age groups.

2. Physicochemical Evaluation

Parameter	Observed Value	Specification	Interpretation
pH	5.1	4.5 – 5.5	Within range
Viscosity	1200 cP	Syrupy	Suitable consistency
Specific Gravity	1.24	1.20 – 1.30	Meets standard
Refractive Index	1.439	1.43 – 1.45	Normal range
Sedimentation (24 hrs)	None	No sedimentation	Physically stable
Weight per 10 mL	12.4 g	12 – 13 g	Acceptable

3. Microbial Analysis

Performed as per WHO guidelines. All parameters met pharmacopeial standards.

Test	Result	Limit	Conclusion
Total Bacterial Count	78 CFU/mL	NMT 10³ CFU/mL	Pass
Total Yeast & Mold Count	15 CFU/mL	NMT 10² CFU/mL	Pass
Escherichia coli	Not detected	Absent	Pass
Salmonella spp.	Not detected	Absent	Pass

4. Stability Testing (Accelerated: 40°C / 75% RH, 3 months)

Parameter	Initial	After 3 Months	Change
Appearance	Clear	Slight darkening	Acceptable
pH	5.1	5.0	Minor shift
Viscosity	1200 cP	1180 cP	Slight drop
Odor	Herbal	Same	No change
Microbial Count	Absent	Absent	Stable