Evaluation of Anti-Microbial Activity of Novel Polyherbal Lozenges for the Management of Infection

Abstract

Background: The use of commercial tinctures for the design of a formulation with improved anti-microbial activity in a polyherbal lozenge dosage form has not been described. Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a novel poly-herbal lozenge formulation containing Ashwagandha, Neem, and Tulsi tinctures in a single-dose administration. According to previous studies, each of these herbs could be used in herbal med-icine to provide relief from infection owing to their antimicrobial activity, besides other proper-ties, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, etc. Method: The lozenges were prepared using the molding method using three concentrations (1, 3, and 5 % w/w) of commercialized herbal tinctures. Then, they were studied using different assays, including those designed to evaluate physical properties, stability, and antimicrobial ac-tivity. Results: B4, containing 5% w/w of each tincture, showed the highest antimicrobial activity com-pared with the other batches. This batch exhibited the highest value of bacterial inhibition (17.1±0.07 mm), according to the agar well diffusion method, including Escherichia coli as a test microorganism. Hence, B4 was chosen for additional analyses, including physical properties and stability tests. The results followed Indian Pharmacopeia standards and ICH guidelines, re-spectively. The formulation was stable after 2 weeks, and no significant changes were observed in its physical properties or antimicrobial activity.