Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Tonic Containing Dolichandrone Falcata

Fig 1: Sources of Herbs

1. 2.  Pharmacological Overview of Dolichandrone Falcata

1.2.1. Botanical Information

Dolichandrone falcata seem is a medicinal tree belonging to the Bignoniaceae family. It has been used in traditional Indian medicine for many years because of its therapeutic value. Different parts of the plant, including the leaves, bark, roots, flowers, and fruits are utilized in herbal preparation to treat a variety of health conditions.

1. 2.1.2 Common Names

The plant is known by different names in various regions of India. In Marathi, it is commonly called Medshingi or Bhersing. It is known as Hawar in Hindi, Kadatathi in Tamil, Godmurki in Kannada, and Mesasrnga in Sanskrit [39].      

1. 2.1.3 Taxonomical Classification

Synonyms: Markhamia Falcata, Bignonia Falcata, and Bignonia Spathacea

Common Name: Meshsa-Sringi, Medshingi

Kingdom: Plantae Lamiales is the order.

Division: Tracheophytes

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Lamiales

Family: Bignoniaceae

Genus: Dolichandrone

Species: Dolichandrone falcata Seem [14].

Fig 2: Photograph of flowers, fruits and Leaves of Dolichandrone falcata

1.2.1.4 Distribution

Dolichandrone falcata is naturally distributed in several parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Bihar, and the Deccan Plateau. It grows well in dry deciduous forests and tropical climate conditions [40].

1.2.1.5 Morphological Description

Dolichandrone falcata is a medium-sized deciduous tree that generally reaches a height of 6-15 meters. It develops a dense canopy with compound green leaves. The plant bears attractive, fragrant white flowers that usually bloom during the evening and fall the following morning. Its fruits are long, curved capsules containing winged seeds that aid in natural dispersal. The bark is greyish-brown and possesses significant medical potential.

Fig 3: Photograph of Whole plant of Dolichandrone falcata

1. 2.6 Phytochemical Constituents

Various phytochemical investigations have shown that Dolichandrone falcata contains several biologically active compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids tannins, phenolic compounds, glycosides, terpenoids and saponins. These constituents are responsible for many of the plants therapeutic properties and contribute to its antioxidant and antidiabetic potential [14].

1.2.7 Pharmacological Activities

Significant studies indicate that Dolichandrone falcata exhibit’s a wide range of pharmacological activities. The plant possesses antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, hepatoprotective, and wound- healing properties.  Traditionally different part plants of the plant have also been used in the management of liver disorders, skin diseases, rheumatism, edema, menstrual disorders and certain infectious condition.

Due to the presence of multiple bioactive phytochemicals, Dolichandrone falcata is considered a promising medicinal plant for the development of herbal formulation intended to improve overall health and support the management of chronic disease such as diabetes mellitus.

Fig 4: General preparation method for herbal drinks

2. AIM & OBJECTIVES

Aim

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Tonic Containing Dolichandrone Falcata

Objectives

This project's primary goal is to develop and evaluate a herbal tonic formulation based on Dolichandrone falcata, with special attention to the product's efficacy, stability, and safety. The specific objectives of the consideration are as follows:

1. To improve general health by creating a herbal tonic using components from medicinal plants.
2. To develop a herbal remedy that is safe and useful for regular use.

3. To determine how well the herbal tonic maintains overall health and aids in the body's metabolism.
4. To evaluate the therapeutic qualities of the herbal tonic, such as its anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, or antioxidant qualities.

5. To increase the nutritional and medicinal benefits of the formulation by adding herbal ingredients.
6. To replace synthetic drugs with natural plant components.

7. To examine the physicochemical properties of the prepared herbal tonic (pH, viscosity, taste, stability, etc.)

8. Convenience and ease of use: The tonic is made into a beverage that is simple to drink and incorporate into everyday activities. Providing flexibility (e.g., can be consumed alone or combined with juice or water).

9. Cultural and Traditional Significance: Maintaining traditional and traditional medical expertise. Respecting herbal customs while using current scientific findings.
10. Cost-effective: While store-bought tonics might be pricey, making your own at home is ultimately less expensive. Many servings of tonic can be made from a small number of dried herbs or plants, saving a substantial amount of money. Avoiding unneeded chemicals or additions.

By accomplishing these goals, the initiative hopes to promote natural healthcare solutions by producing a herbal tonic made from Dolichandrone falcata that is safe, efficacious, and supported by science.

3. PLAN OF WORK

The present research work was carried out through the following systematic steps:

1. Literature Survey

2. Selection and collection healthy of Plant Material

3. Authentication of collected plant sample

4. Cleaning, shade drying and pulverization of the plant material

5. Preparation and Extraction of Dolichandrone Falcata

6. Analysis of extracted material chemical constituents

7. Selection of suitable herbal excipients for the formulation

8. Preparation of different batches of herbal tonic    

9. Evaluation Test for Herbal Tonic

10. Comparison of formulation batches to determine the optimized formulation

4. MATERIAL AND METHOD:

4 .1 Collection of plant Material:

In March, fresh Dolichandrone falcata leaves were gathered from Sonegaon in the Yavatmal District of Maharashtra, India. After that, the plant's leaves were cleaned under running water and allowed to dry for two to three weeks in the shade. After that, the dried leaves were ground into either a fine or coarse powder and kept in the container.

4.2 Dolichandrone falcata Preparation and Extraction:

The leaves of Dolichandrone falcata were gathered and shade-dried. 200 milliliters of water were used to extract around 10 grams of the powdered plant material, which was then decocted for about an hour and thirty minutes. After being concentrated and filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper, the extract was put into a 250 ml beaker [45].

4.3 Selection of herbal excipients:

- Jaggery is frequently included in herbal tonic compositions as an excipient.

4.3.1 Meaning and structure:

Concentrating sugarcane juice or palm sap without separating molasses and crystals yields jaggery, a natural, unprocessed sweetener. It is frequently utilized in traditional medicine and food, and its colour ranges from golden yellow to dark brown [47].

• Jaggery's composition

The primary ingredient in jaggery is:

• The component

Calculated Percentage

65–85 percent sucrose

Fructose and Glucose: 10%–15%

Water content: 5–10%

Minerals (phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron): 0.5–1%

Small levels of proteins and vitamins

4.3.2 Jaggery's Use as an Excipient in Herbal Tonics

- Sweetening agent: Enhances palatability and masks the bitter taste of herbal substances.

- Flavour enhancer: Gives the tonic a pleasing taste and scent.

- Nutritional supplement: Contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron.

- Preservative action: A high sugar content somewhat inhibits the growth of microorganisms. - Energy source: Because it contains carbohydrates, it provides fast energy.

- The herbal tonic's binding and thickening properties aid in preserving its consistency and viscosity.

4.3.3 Therapeutic and pharmacological advantages of jaggery:

- Antioxidant activity: Includes phenolic chemicals that aid in lowering oxidative damage.

- Hematinic effect: High in iron, it helps prevent anemia and raise hemoglobin levels.

- Digestive stimulant: Enhances digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes.

- Detoxifying action: Assists in removing toxins from the body and cleaning the liver.

- Immunomodulatory effect: Antioxidants and minerals bolster the immune system.

- Mild laxative: Encourages bowel movements and relieves constipation.

4.4 Formulation of Herbal Tonic:

4.4.1 Ingredient and Composition:

Table 2: Ingredients and composition (for 200ml)

4.5 Method of preparation:

1. Herbal Powder Preparation

Gather and dry the Dolichandrone falcata bits that are needed. With a mortar and pestle, grind the dried material into a coarse powder.

2. Ingredient Weighing

Weigh 2–3 g of jaggery and 10–20 g of D. falcata powder precisely.

3. Decoction Preparation

In a clean beaker or flask, combine the weighed herbal powder with around 150 mL of cleaned water.

 4. The Heating Method

To extract the active ingredients from the plant material, slowly heat the mixture for one to two hours while stirring constantly.

5. Screening

To get rid of insoluble particles, cool the mixture a little and filter it through Whatman filter paper or muslin cloth.

6. Sweeteners are incorporated

Stir constantly to dissolve the jaggery after adding it to the filtrate.

7. Homogenization and Mixing

Stir constantly as you mix all the solutions.

Use a homogenizer to improve dispersion.

8. Volume Modification

Using purified water, add 200 mL to the final volume.
9. Filtering and bottling

To eliminate any particles that haven't dissolved, filter the tonic.

To avoid light deterioration, transfer the prepared herbal tonic into a clean, amber-colored bottle.
10. Stability and Storage:

Keep at a cold temperature (less than 25°C).

It could be necessary to modify the pH (around pH 4-6 for stability).

Depending on microbiological stability, the shelf life is three to six months [30].

4.6. Different Bathes of Herbal Tonic

Table 3: Different Bathes of Herbal Tonic

The prepared formulation were evaluated to determine the most acceptable batch based on organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics.

5. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS [29]

Fig 5: Phytochemical Analysis

1. Test for Carbohydrate:

Table 4: Test for Carbohydrates

2. Test for Sugar

Table 5: Test for Sugar

3.  Test for Alkaloids:

Table 6: Test for Alkaloids

5.1. Detection of Compound:

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was carried out to identify active compounds, the main component found in D. falcata, by contrasting the sample's Rf value and spot characteristics with those of the standard D. falcata reference compound.

Sample Solution Preparation

The test solution was made by dissolving about 1 mL of D. falcata extract in 5 mL of methanol. A tiny amount of pure extract was dissolved with methanol to create the standard D. falcata solution.

TLC Plate Activation

To eliminate moisture and increase adsorption capacity, the silica gel TLC plate was activated by placing it in a hot air oven at 105°C for 30 minutes. Before being used, the activated plate was allowed to cool to room temperature.

Mobile Phase Preparation

Methanol and chloroform were combined in a 9:1 ratio to create the mobile phase. The TLC chamber was filled with the solvent system, sealed, and given 15 to 20 minutes to saturate with filter paper lining.

Sample Spotting

Clean capillary tubes were used to carefully apply tiny amounts of the standard D. falcata solution and sample solution to the TLC plate at a distance of about 1 cm from the plate's lower edge. To prevent overlapping during development, sufficient distance was kept between the dots.

TLC Plate Development

The spotted TLC plate was positioned vertically within the mobile phase-filled, saturated TLC chamber. The dots were carefully maintained above the solvent level. The plate was left to grow until the solvent front moved away from the origin by around 8 to 10 cm. Following development, the plate was carefully removed, and a pencil was used to indicate the solvent front right away. Room temperature was used to dry the plate [46].

Identification of Spots

In order to see the spots, the produced TLC plate was examined under UV light at 254 nm. Dragendorff's reagent was sprayed for additional detection, and orange-brown specks were then visualized.

Calculation of Rf Value [20].

The following formula was used to determine the Rf value:

Table 7: Observation of Thin Layer Chromatography

Fig 6: Thin Layer Chromatography Plate

6. EVALUATION TEST FOR HERBAL TONIC:

6.1 Organoleptic Evaluation: Appearance (Color, Odor, Taste):

Color Examination: 5 ml of the final tonic were put into watch glasses and exposed to white tube light against a white background. It was noticed by the unaided eye for its hue.
An herbal tonic's color should match the natural ingredients utilized in its preparation. It shows that active chemicals, oxidation, contamination, or incorrect storage are present. Over time, color changes may indicate chemical reactions or deterioration.

Odor Analysis:

Each person sniffed two milliliters of the finished tonic. To counteract the impact of the prior scent, a two-minute gap was maintained between the two scents.

Taste Analysis:

A small amount of the last tonic was ingested, and its flavour was assessed using the tongue's taste buds.

Texture: Evaluate any specific substance, viscosity, and smoothness.

Fig 7: Herbal Tonic

6.2 Physicochemical Analysis:

pH determination:

10 ml of the finished tonic, precisely measured, was added to a 100 ml volumetric flask, and the volume was increased to 100 ml with pure water. For roughly ten minutes, the mixture was sonicated. The instrument will be calibrated using a standard buffer solution at pH 4, 7, and 9 before being used. A digital pH meter was used to determine the pH [31].

Fig 8: pH Determination

Viscosity Determination:

Ostwald's U-tube Viscometer was used to measure each formulation's viscosity [32].

Where

η2:-Viscosity of sample         

η1:-Viscosity of water

ρ2:-Density of sample

ρ1:-Density of water                  

t2:-Time required to flow sample

t1:-Time required to flow water [34]

Fig 9: Viscometer

Clarity test: Clarity test equipment is used to measure it. This test is designed to ensure that the above-developed formulation is clear, clean, and free of solid particles [33].

7. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

7.1 Chemical test for Carbohydrates

Table 8: Chemical test for Carbohydrates

Sr. No.	Test	Observation	Result
1.	Molish Test: Mix sample extract with 1 ml of H2SO4 & a few drops of alpha naphthol.	Violet ring represents	Carbohydrates present.
2.	Fehling Test: Fehling A is a 1:1 combination of Fehling B and A solution.	Brick red color indicates	Presence of reducing Sugar.
3.	Benedict’s Test: Benedict's reagent is added to mixture and heated in water bath.	Red precipitate show	Monosaccharide’s absence

7.2 Chemical test for Sugar

Table 9: Chemical test for Sugar

Sr. To.	Test	Observation	Inference
1.	Test for Pentose Sugar:   2 drops of HCl & phloroglucinol crystals are added to test solution.	Red color is absent	Pentose Sugar absent

7.3 Chemical test for Alkaloids

Table 10: Chemical test for Alkaloids

Sr. No.	Test	Observation	Inference
1.	Dragendorff’s test: Add few drops of Dragendorff’s reagent in test solution.	Orange or Brown ppt is formed	Presence of alkaloids
2.	Mayer’s test: Add 2-3 ml test solution along with Mayer’s reagent	It form ppt	Alkaloid is present

Table 11: Result and Discussion

8. Discussion

- The organoleptic and physicochemical properties of the herbal tonic made with D. falcata powder were assessed. While monosaccharides were lacking, the carbohydrate tests verified the existence of carbs and reducing sugars. Alkaloid assays utilizing Mayer's and Dragendorff's reagents revealed that the formulation included alkaloidal components.

- Inadequate jaggery and a low active ingredient (D. falcata 10 g) caused Batch 1 (F1) to fail, resulting in weak preservation and a poor therapeutic effect.

- Batch 2 (F2) was deemed unsatisfactory by customers due to its bad taste, high viscosity, and offensive odor.

- Because Batch 3 (F3) contained balanced ingredients, adequate active content (15 g), steady pH (5.56), and appropriate viscosity, it was deemed effective and acceptable by consumers.

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