Formulation And Evaluation of Thyroid-Stimulating Herbal Bauhinia Purpurea Bark Syrup

Thyroid disorders represent one of the most common endocrine abnormalities worldwide, with hypothyroidism being a major concern. Hypothyroidism occurs due to insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), leading to various metabolic disturbances such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and depression. The standard treatment involves synthetic hormone replacement therapy, which, although effective, requires lifelong administration and careful monitoring of dose to avoid adverse effects such as hyperthyroidism.

In recent years, there has been a growing inclination towards herbal medicines as alternative or complementary therapies. Herbal drugs are considered safer, cost-effective, and culturally acceptable, especially in countries like India where traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda are widely practiced. Many medicinal plants possess bioactive phytoconstituents that can influence endocrine function and metabolic pathways.

Bauhinia purpurea, belonging to the family Fabaceae, is commonly known as the Purple Orchid Tree. It has been traditionally used for the treatment of glandular swellings, ulcers, and metabolic disorders. The bark of this plant contains important phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possible endocrine-modulating activities. These constituents may support thyroid function by improving metabolic balance and reducing oxidative stress.

Syrup dosage forms are particularly advantageous due to their ease of administration, improved patient compliance, and suitability for both pediatric and geriatric patients. They also allow uniform dispersion of active constituents and enhanced palatability.

The present study aims to develop a stable, palatable, and effective herbal syrup formulation using Bauhinia purpurea bark extract and evaluate its pharmaceutical characteristics.

2.    OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of the present study are:

• To collect, authenticate, and process Bauhinia purpurea bark
• To prepare hydroalcoholic extract of the bark
• To formulate herbal syrup using different concentrations of extract
• To evaluate the formulations for physicochemical properties
• To perform preliminary phytochemical screening

2.1       THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Role of Herbal Extract in Thyroid Disorders

•      Herbal extracts containing flavonoids and glycosides are known to influence metabolic enzymes and endocrine glands. These compounds may enhance thyroid activity either directly or indirectly by improving overall metabolic efficiency.

•      Role of Syrup as a Dosage Form

•      Syrups are concentrated aqueous solutions of sugar used for oral administration. They offer several advantages such as improved taste, ease of swallowing, and uniform dosing. They are particularly suitable for herbal drugs, which often have a bitter taste.

•      Role of Honey in Formulation

•      Honey is a natural sweetening agent with multiple pharmaceutical benefits:

•      Acts as a demulcent, providing soothing effect

•      Possesses mild antimicrobial activity

•      Enhances viscosity naturally

•      Improves taste and patient compliance

•      Contains antioxidants that may support therapeutic activity

•      Thus, incorporation of honey not only improves palatability but also contributes to the stability and therapeutic value of the formulation.

3.    MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1  Materials

All materials and chemicals used in this study were of analytical grade and procured from standard sources.

3.2       Collection and Authentication

The bark of Bauhinia purpurea was collected from a local area and authenticated by a qualified botanist. The collected material was cleaned to remove impurities.

3.3  Preparation of Extract

The collected bark was shade-dried for several days and then coarsely powdered using a mechanical grinder. The powdered material was subjected to maceration with 70% ethanol for 72 hours with occasional stirring to ensure maximum extraction of phytoconstituents. The extract was filtered and concentrated using a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure to obtain a semi-solid mass, which was stored in an airtight container for further use.

3.4  Formulation of Herbal Syrup

The herbal syrup was prepared using the following steps:

1.    Sucrose was dissolved in a portion of distilled water with gentle heating (not exceeding 60°C) to prepare a clear syrup.

2.    Honey was added to the cooled syrup base with continuous stirring to preserve its natural constituents.

3.    The required quantity of Bauhinia purpurea extract was incorporated slowly with continuous stirring.

4.    Sodium benzoate was added as a preservative.

5.    The final volume was adjusted with distilled water and filtered to remove any particulate matter.

6.    The finished product was filled into amber-colored bottles and stored at room temperature.

4.  EVALUATION PARAMETERS

4.1       Organoleptic Properties

The formulations were evaluated visually for color, odor, taste, and appearance.

4.2  Physicochemical Evaluation

Note: Inclusion of honey contributes to increased viscosity and improved palatability while providing additional antimicrobial and demulcent properties.

•      pH: Measured using a digital pH meter (adjusted naturally without external acidifiers)

•      Viscosity: Determined using a Brookfield viscometer

•      Specific Gravity: Measured using a specific gravity bottle