Formulation And Evaluation of Herbal Antiulcer Churna Enriched with Vitamin B9

Peptic ulcer is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders affecting a large number of people worldwide. It is characterized by the formation of ulcers or sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum due to an imbalance between aggressive factors such as gastric acid, pepsin, stress, Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, alcohol consumption, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and the protective mechanisms of the gastric mucosa. Common symptoms of peptic ulcer include abdominal pain, burning sensation, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and indigestion, which significantly affect the quality of life of patients.

Conventional antiulcer drugs such as antacids, H2-receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors are commonly prescribed for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Although these medications are effective, their long-term use may lead to side effects, recurrence of ulcers, drug interactions, and increased treatment cost. Therefore, there is a growing need for safer, economical, and more effective alternatives for ulcer management.

Herbal medicines have gained considerable importance in recent years because of their natural origin, therapeutic effectiveness, affordability, and minimal side effects. Many medicinal plants possess antiulcer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastroprotective activities that help protect the gastric mucosa and promote ulcer healing. Traditional systems of medicine have long used herbal formulations for the treatment of gastric disorders and digestive problems.

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal antiulcer churna enriched with Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) using medicinal herbs such as Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu), and Sanuf (Foeniculum vulgare). Tulsi exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce gastric inflammation and oxidative stress. Aloe vera provides soothing and healing effects on damaged gastric mucosa. Glycyrrhiza glabra acts as a potent gastroprotective and antiulcer agent by increasing mucus secretion and reducing gastric irritation. Sanuf improves digestion, reduces acidity, and provides carminative action. Spinach serves as a natural source of Vitamin B9, which supports cell regeneration, tissue repair, and faster healing of ulcerated tissue.

The herbal ingredients are processed in powdered form and blended in suitable proportions to prepare the churna formulation. The prepared formulation is evaluated for various physicochemical parameters such as organoleptic properties, particle size, moisture content, ash value, pH, bulk density, angle of repose, and stability studies to ensure quality, purity, and effectiveness.

Thus, the present work aims to develop a safe, economical, and effective herbal antiulcer churna enriched with Vitamin B9 that may provide better gastric protection and promote healing of peptic ulcers with minimal side effect

2. AIM AND OBJECTIVES

2.1 Aim

To formulate and evaluate a polyherbal antiulcer churna enriched with Vitamin B9 using Spinach, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Tulsi, and Aloe vera powder as active herbal ingredients.

2.2 Objectives

• To collect, authenticate, and prepare the raw herbal materials
• To formulate a single batch (HAC-B1) of herbal antiulcer churna
• To perform organoleptic and physicochemical evaluation of the formulated churna
• To carry out preliminary phytochemical screening of the churna
• To assess the Vitamin B9 content in the formulation
• To evaluate the in vitro antiulcer activity of the formulated churna

 

 

Spinach is one of the richest natural sources of folic acid (Vitamin B9), contributing significantly to DNA synthesis, cellular repair, and mucosal regeneration. Its flavonoid content provides potent antioxidant protection against oxidative stress-induced gastric mucosal damage. Studies have demonstrated the gastroprotective effects of spinach leaf extract through reduction in gastric acid secretion and promotion of mucus secretion.

 

 

3.2 Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)

Glycyrrhiza glabra is perhaps the most well-studied herbal antiulcer agent. Its primary active constituent, glycyrrhizin, has demonstrated potent gastroprotective effects by stimulating mucus production, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, and suppressing Helicobacter pylori growth. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has been clinically shown to be as effective as cimetidine in healing peptic ulcers. The Ayurvedic system classifies this herb as a rasayana (rejuvenating agent) with specific benefits for pitta-related gastric disorders.

 

 

3.3 Ocimum tenuiflorum / Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi / Holy Basil)

Tulsi (Holy Basil) holds a revered position in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogenic and gastroprotective herb. Eugenol, its primary volatile constituent, acts as a selective COX-2 inhibitor, thereby reducing inflammation without compromising the cytoprotective prostaglandins essential for gastric mucosal defense. Ursolic acid and oleanolic acid have demonstrated significant antiulcerogenic activity in experimental models. Tulsi also exhibits adaptogenic properties, reducing stress-induced gastric ulceration through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

 

 

3.4 Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

 

Aloe vera gel powder possesses remarkable gastroprotective properties attributed primarily to its high mucopolysaccharide (acemannan) content, which forms a protective coating over the gastric mucosa. Acemannan has demonstrated the ability to inhibit gastric acid secretion and promote mucosal cell proliferation. Clinical studies have documented Aloe vera's efficacy in reducing symptoms of peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Additionally, Aloe vera contributes a small but meaningful amount of natural folate (Vitamin B9) to the formulation.

 

 

3.5 Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) — Role in Gastrointestinal Health

Vitamin B9 (folic acid/folate) is an essential water-soluble B-vitamin critical for DNA synthesis, cell division, and amino acid metabolism. In the context of gastrointestinal health, folic acid plays several crucial roles:

• Promotes rapid regeneration of the rapidly dividing gastric mucosal epithelial cells
• Reduces homocysteine levels, thereby decreasing vascular inflammation in the gastric submucosa
• Protects against gastric mucosal atrophy associated with H. pylori infection
• Deficiency of folic acid is correlated with increased risk of gastric ulcer and gastric carcinoma
• Supports DNA methylation and repair processes in damaged gastric mucosa

 

 

 

 

5.4 Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Content Estimation

Folic acid content was estimated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry at 363 nm using a standard folic acid calibration curve (R² = 0.9982). Both free and total folate (after enzymatic hydrolysis with rat plasma conjugase) were determined.

The formulation demonstrated satisfactory stability over 3 months under accelerated conditions. The Vitamin B9 content showed minimal degradation (3.0% loss), well within acceptable limits. The formulation is recommended for storage in amber glass containers at room temperature with a shelf life of 18 months (to be confirmed by long-term studies)

DISCUSSION

The formulated herbal antiulcer churna (HAC-B1) represents a synergistic polyherbal combination targeting multiple pathways of peptic ulcer pathophysiology. The rationale for ingredient selection and their contributions to the overall antiulcer activity are discussed below:

Mechanistic Synergy:

Glycyrrhiza glabra provides the cornerstone antiulcer effect through glycyrrhizin-mediated inhibition of H. pylori adhesion and stimulation of protective prostaglandins. Aloe vera's acemannan forms a physical mucosal protective barrier while simultaneously promoting epithelial cell proliferation. Tulsi's eugenol and ursolic acid provide selective COX-2 inhibition, reducing inflammatory cytokines without compromising cytoprotective prostaglandins. Spinach contributes natural antioxidants (kaempferol, quercetin) that neutralize reactive oxygen species responsible for oxidative damage to the gastric mucosa.

Vitamin B9 Significance:

The enrichment with folic acid addresses a frequently overlooked aspect of ulcer management — cellular regeneration. Rapidly dividing gastric mucosal cells require adequate folate for DNA synthesis and repair. Studies have documented that folate deficiency significantly impairs gastric mucosal healing. The dual contribution of natural folate from spinach and standardized folic acid supplementation ensures consistent delivery of approximately 35% of the adult RDA per therapeutic dose, supporting sustained mucosal recovery.

Physicochemical Profile:

All physicochemical parameters were within acceptable pharmacopoeial limits. The swelling index of 3.8 mL/g indicates the presence of significant mucilaginous material (primarily from Aloe vera) that enhances the mucosal coating action in vivo. The near-neutral pH of 6.8 is ideal for gastric administration and supports minimal irritation. The Carr's Index of 25% and Hausner's Ratio of 1.33 indicate fair-to-good flow properties suitable for a churna dosage form.

Comparative Efficacy:

While the in vitro pepsin inhibition (IC50 = 238.5 µg/mL) was somewhat lower than omeprazole (IC50 = 185.2 µg/mL), the herbal formulation offers the advantage of multi-mechanism action, freedom from rebound acid hypersecretion, absence of bone density effects, and nutritional supplementation through Vitamin B9. In vivo studies are warranted to fully characterize the antiulcer efficacy profile.

CONCLUSION

The herbal antiulcer churna (HAC-B1) formulated from Spinach, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Tulsi, and Aloe vera powder, enriched with Vitamin B9, was successfully prepared and evaluated. The formulation complied with all standard pharmacopoeial specifications for color, odor, taste, physicochemical parameters, phytochemical profile, microbiological quality, and heavy metal limits. The in vitro studies confirmed significant antiulcer activity through anti-peptic, antacid, and mucin-stimulating mechanisms.

The Vitamin B9 content was found to be 97.1% of theoretical value with a measured total folate content of 140.8 µg per 5g dose, contributing approximately 35% of the adult daily folate requirement. The formulation demonstrated satisfactory stability for 3 months under accelerated conditions.

This polyherbal churna represents a promising, safe, and scientifically validated herbal preparation for the management of peptic and gastric ulcers, with the added benefit of Vitamin B9 supplementation to support mucosal healing and cellular regeneration. Further in vivo pharmacological studies and clinical trials are recommended to establish definitive efficacy and safety profiles

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors sincerely acknowledge the support of the Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for providing laboratory facilities. Special thanks are due to the botanist for authenticating the herbal raw materials and to all colleagues who assisted during the study.

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