Preparing Herbal Formulations through Indigenous and Modern Methods: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Traditional medicines can treat many problems because they are based on natural treatments. Because of their historical applications and useful treatments, numerous of these conventional medications have been the subject of extensive pharmacological research of their antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Natural resources are frequently used as a primary or secondary source by academics and pharmaceutical corporations when developing new drugs. A wide variety of plants have long been used as a source of traditional medicine by people in many different cultures. Numerous research have examined the possible antibacterial and antiviral properties of these plants. Since there are so many different kinds of natural sources, including plants, choose the proper one as a starting point is crucial for accurate screening results. Due to their, “effectiveness in treating diseases and lower risk of side effects than synthetic treatments, the usage of plant-based medications has significantly expanded in the modern world. The current study was aimed to confirm the identity, quality and purity of some locally available potential medicinal plants such as Drymaria cordata (whole plant), Alstonia scholaris (bark), Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (whole plant), Centella asiatica (whole plant), Senna hirsuta (leaf), Oroxylum indicum (bark),

Senna occidentalis (leaf), Stephania japonica (tuber) and Solanum indicum (root) in powdered form”. 

The powdered plant components underwent preliminary phytochemical analysis as well as pharmacognostic tests, physical evaluation and heavy metal analysis. Initial phytochemical study of the various extracts indicated that triterpenoids were absent, but alkaloids, phenolics, carbohydrates and amino acids were present. The powder was studied under a microscope to reveal its, “distinguishing characteristics, including calcium oxalate crystals, fibres, stone cells, trichomes, stomata, xylem vessels, pitted spiral vessels, etc. The colour, smell, fragrance, and texture of the ground plant were all acceptable. The physical characteristics that affect the flow rate of the powder with respect to Carr's index and Hausner's ratio were found to be good to passable, with the exception of Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides (the complete plant) and Oroxylum indicum (bark), which were not easily passable. During the heavy metal test, lead, cadmium, and bismuth were not found.  As a result, the current study may be utilised as a benchmark reference for the quality control analysis of the herbal medicine, either alone or in combination”.