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Research article · 2026 · Full text

International Journal of Biology Sciences

A novel polyherbal syrup with antioxidant potential: formulation, physicochemical characterization, and prospects for stress management

MJ RajaMadhupriya SKesavan GRanganathan VSibi Thomas VKannan KElamaran A

Volume 8(10) · Pages 14–21 · DOI: 10.33545/26649926.2026.v8.i10a.1003 ↗

Research areasPhytochemicals and Medicinal PlantsMedicinal Plant ResearchMedicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds

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Abstract

Author-written

The present study was aimed to develop and formulate a polyherbal syrup from the roots of Asparagus racemosus and Withania somnifera, leaves of Andrographis paniculata and Ocimum sanctum, and fruits of Piper nigrum to mitigate the vaccine-induced stress in animals. The formulation was prepared using traditional decoction method, combined with a simple syrup base and pharmaceutical preservatives. The physicochemical evaluation of the syrup revealed a reddish-brown color, aromatic odour, sweet taste, pH of 6.7, density of 1.180 g/ml, and a viscosity suitable for an oral liquid dosage form. Stability studies on the preparation showed no significant changes in these parameters after one month of storage at 4 °C and room temperature. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the preparation confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins. Quantitatively, the syrup exhibited a high total phenolic (158.30 ± 3.38 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (123.70 ± 0.88 mg QE/g) content. The formulation demonstrated potent in vitro antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 86.21 μg/ml in the DPPH assay. The results indicate that the developed polyherbal syrup is a stable and pharmaceutically viable formulation with significant antioxidant potentials and these findings support its potential use as a supplement for alleviating vaccine induced stress and further warranting in-vivo studies to evaluate its immunomodulatory efficacy in animals.

Summary

Source-checked

Plain-language reading of the full paper, prepared with AI and checked against the text. Each point links to the authors' own words.

  1. Why it matters

    • Animal vaccinations, while essential for disease prevention, can cause temporary oxidative stress and lower productivity, which negatively affects farmers' livelihoods. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      Animal vaccinations, while essential for disease prevention, can cause temporary oxidative stress and lower productivity, which negatively affects farmers' livelihoods.

      In the paper's own words

      “Vaccination against diseases is an essential protocol for preventing diseases in animals, but often induces a transient response characterized by oxidative stress and reduced productivity, which primarily impacts the farmer’s livelihood.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • There is a significant practical need for safe and affordable immunomodulators to manage the stress induced by vaccinations in animals. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      There is a significant practical need for safe and affordable immunomodulators to manage the stress induced by vaccinations in animals.

      In the paper's own words

      “Hence, addressing this vaccine stress with safe, cost-effective, immunomodulators is of high practical importance.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
    • Herbal remedies, based on traditional knowledge, are considered a viable way to address vaccine-induced stress. View evidence ↗

      Why it matters

      Herbal remedies, based on traditional knowledge, are considered a viable way to address vaccine-induced stress.

      In the paper's own words

      “Herbal remedies offer a viable solution rooted in traditional knowledge.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
  2. The question

    • The study aimed to create a polyherbal syrup using five specific plants, Asparagus racemosus, Withania somnifera, Andrographis paniculata, Ocimum sanctum, and Piper nigrum, to reduce vaccine-induced stress in animals. View evidence ↗

      The question

      The study aimed to create a polyherbal syrup using five specific plants, Asparagus racemosus, Withania somnifera, Andrographis paniculata, Ocimum sanctum, and Piper nigrum, to reduce vaccine-induced stress in animals.

      In the paper's own words

      “The present study was aimed to develop and formulate a polyherbal syrup from the roots of Asparagus racemosus and Withania somnifera, leaves of Andrographis paniculata and Ocimum sanctum, and fruits of Piper nigrum to mitigate the vaccine-induced stress in animals.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Introduction

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 1 ↗
  3. What they did

    • The final syrup was produced by mixing the plant decoction with a simple syrup base in a 1:5 ratio. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      The final syrup was produced by mixing the plant decoction with a simple syrup base in a 1:5 ratio.

      In the paper's own words

      “The polyherbal syrup was meticulously formulated by combining the decoction and the simple syrup in a precise ratio of 1:5”

      Page 2

      Found in: Preparation of polyherbal syrup

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
    • Stability was tested by storing ten syrup samples in amber glass bottles at 4°C and room temperature, with evaluations performed at 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and one month. View evidence ↗

      What they did

      Stability was tested by storing ten syrup samples in amber glass bottles at 4°C and room temperature, with evaluations performed at 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and one month.

      In the paper's own words

      “The stability of the prepared polyherbal formulation was determined by exposing ten portions of the final syrup (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2, E1 and E2) to accelerated temperature conditions.”

      Page 2

      “samples were stored in amber-colored glass bottles at a temperature of 4°C and room temperature. At intervals of 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 1 month the samples were evaluated”

      Page 2

      Found in: Stability testing

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 2 ↗
  4. What they found

    • The polyherbal formulation remained stable with no changes in its physicochemical characteristics after one month of storage. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      The polyherbal formulation remained stable with no changes in its physicochemical characteristics after one month of storage.

      In the paper's own words

      “The prepared PHF were stored for a period of one month and does not show any changes in the physicochemical characters.”

      Page 3

      Found in: Evaluation of polyherbal formulation

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗
    • The syrup contained high levels of bioactive compounds, specifically 158.30 ± 3.38 mg GAE/g of total phenolics and 123.70 ± 0.88 mg QE/g of total flavonoids. View evidence ↗

      What they found

      The syrup contained high levels of bioactive compounds, specifically 158.30 ± 3.38 mg GAE/g of total phenolics and 123.70 ± 0.88 mg QE/g of total flavonoids.

      In the paper's own words

      “In this study, the polyherbal formulation showed the higher phenolic content which could be (158.30 ± 3.38)”

      Page 3

      “Quantitatively, the syrup exhibited a high total phenolic (158.30 ± 3.38 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (123.70 ± 0.88 mg QE/g) content.”

      Page 1

      Found in: Quantitative analysis of polyherbal formulation Total phenolic content (TPC)

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗
    • The syrup showed strong in vitro antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 86.21 μg/ml, although this was higher (less potent) than the ascorbic acid standard (55.37 ± 1.25 μg/ml). View evidence ↗

      What they found

      The syrup showed strong in vitro antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 86.21 μg/ml, although this was higher (less potent) than the ascorbic acid standard (55.37 ± 1.25 μg/ml).

      In the paper's own words

      “The IC50 of PHF was found to be 86.21 μg/ml.”

      Page 3

      “The IC50 value of the polyherbal formulation was found to be 86.21 μg/ml which is less compared to the standard ascorbic acid (55.37 ± 1.25 μg/ml), revealed high invitro antioxidant property”

      Page 4

      Found in: In-vitro antioxidant activity 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity

      Read it in the full textOpen PDF at page 3 ↗

Visual summary

2 visuals

Illustrations explain the paper; charts are replotted from the paper's own table values.

AI-generated illustration
AI-generated conceptual illustration (roots, leaves, and fruits of medicinal plants). It explains the idea and does not show study data.↗ Enlarge
Syrup Production Workflow
AI-generated conceptual illustration (roots, leaves, and fruits of medicinal plants). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

AI-generated conceptual illustration (roots, leaves, and fruits of medicinal plants). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

Open full-size image ↗

Syrup Production Workflow

AI-generated conceptual illustration (roots, leaves, and fruits of medicinal plants). It explains the idea and does not show study data.

View source evidence ↗
Replotted from source data
Replotted from Table 5 (page 7) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.↗ Enlarge
TPC (mg/g GAE): Asparagus racemosus vs Withania somnifera vs Andrographis paniculata vs Ocimum sanctum vs Piper nigrum
Replotted from Table 5 (page 7) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Replotted from Table 5 (page 7) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

Open full-size image ↗

TPC (mg/g GAE): Asparagus racemosus vs Withania somnifera vs Andrographis paniculata vs Ocimum sanctum vs Piper nigrum

Replotted from Table 5 (page 7) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.

View source evidence ↗

Figures & tables

From the original paper
Percentage composition of excipients used in polyherbal formulationTable 1Page 4Qualitative phytochemical screening of PHFTable 2Page 5Qualitative phytochemical screening of PHFTable 2Page 6Stability Testing of PHFTable 3Page 6Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis of Individual Extract and Polyherbal FormulationTable 4Page 6Total Phenolic Content of Individual Extracts and PHFTable 5Page 7Total Flavonoid Content of Individual Extracts and PHFTable 6Page 7DPPH Scavenging Activity of PHF - Percentage of InhibitionTable 7Page 7DPPH Scavenging Activity of PHF - Percentage of InhibitionFigure 1Page 7
FULL TEXT Original article · reflowed for reading

Introduction

Vaccination against diseases is an essential protocol for preventing diseases in animals, but often induces a transient response characterized by oxidative stress and reduced productivity, which primarily impacts the farmer's livelihood. Hence, addressing this vaccine stress with safe, cost-effective, immunomodulators is of high practical importance. Herbal remedies offer a viable solution rooted in traditional knowledge. This study focuses on developing a polyherbal syrup combining five well-known Indian medicinal plants Asparagus racemosus, Withania somnifera, Andrographis paniculata, Ocimum sanctum and Piper nigrum selected for their synergistic, adaptogenic and immunostimulant properties. The aim was to create a stable, palatable, and easy-to-administer formulation to support goat's health during the critical post-vaccination period. This paper reports the development of polyherbal formulation, physicochemical evaluation and in-vitro antioxidant potential.

Materials and Methods

Materials and Methods

Selection, collection and authentication of medicinal plants

The roots of Asparagus racemosus and Withania somnifera, leaves of Andrographis paniculata and Ocimum sanctum and fruits of Piper nigrum were selected based on traditional Indian medicinal use and scientific support. Plant materials were sourced from the Ethno-Veterinary herbal garden, Veterinary College and research Institute, Orathanadu, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Botanical authentication was done by the Siddha

Development of polyherbal formulation

Development of polyherbal formulation

Method of preparation of decoction

The oral polyherbal formulation was crafted using the aqueous decoction method of extraction (Shailaja et al (Shakeel et al., 2015) [1] ). To initiate this process, powdered raw materials of the five selected plants were combined in equal proportions. The decoction method requires the addition of water at a ratio of 16 times the weight of the raw powder. The mixture was then heated until it boiled and subsequently condensed to approximately one-fourth of its initial volume. After boiling, the mixture was allowed to cool and subsequently filtered. The resulting filtrate was left to stand overnight and was subsequently used in the preparation of the final polyherbal syrup.

Method of preparation of simple syrup

The simple syrup was prepared by blending 66.7 % sugar with water and was heated until the sugar dissolved completely, with continuous stirring.

Preparation of polyherbal syrup

The polyherbal syrup was meticulously formulated by combining the decoction and the simple syrup in a precise ratio of 1:5 (Thangarathinam et al (Yahfoufi et al., 2018) [2] ). Additionally, specific quantities of methyl paraben sodium, propyl paraben sodium, sodium benzoate, bronopol, citric acid, saccharin sodium and a mixed fruit flavoring agent were added to the mixture (Rowe et al (Shankar et al., 2016) [3] ) and the exact composition (in %) of these ingredients for the polyherbal formulation are listed in table 1.

Table 1. Percentage composition of excipients used in polyherbal formulation
Name of IngredientsComposition (%)
Methyl paraben sodium0.10
Propyl paraben sodium0.01
Sodium benzoate0.20
Bronopol0.01
Citric acid0.10
Saccharin sodium0.03
Mixed fruit flavor0.10

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Percentage composition of excipients used in polyherbal formulation↗ Enlarge
Table 1
Percentage composition of excipients used in polyherbal formulation

Percentage composition of excipients used in polyherbal formulation

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Original paper tableSource PDF · page 4 ↗

Evaluation of the polyherbal formulation

The polyherbal formulation underwent a comprehensive assessment of its physicochemical properties (Karishma et al (Madaan et al., 2011) [4] , Senthilkumar et al [5] , Shakeel et al (Thangarathinam et al., 2013) [6] ). The parameters include colour, odour, taste and pH. To determine pH, precisely measured 10 ml of the final syrup was transferred to a 100 ml volumetric flask and diluted with distilled water to reach a total volume of 100 ml. The solution underwent sonication for approximately 10 minutes, after which the pH was measured using a digital pH meter.

Density and specific gravity

The determination of density and specific gravity of the syrup and its vital physicochemical properties were carried out using a well-defined procedure (Senthilkumar et al [5] ) to ensure precision and accuracy. The specific gravity bottle was meticulously cleaned with chromic acid. The bottle was rinsed at least two to three times with distilled water. The weight of the empty dry bottle with a capillary tube stopper (w 1 ) was measured. The bottle was filled with the water and sealed with the stopper. Excess liquid on the outside of the tube was gently wiped off using tissue paper. The bottle with the unknown liquid was weighed on an analytical balance (w 2 ). The weight in grams of the unknown liquid (w 3 ) was calculated. The syrup's density was calculated using the formula:

× Density of water Specific gravity was calculated using the formula:

Viscosity

Viscosity measurements were carried out using a Brookfield viscometer (Shankar et al (SenthilKumar et al., 2022) [5] ) with an S18 spindle. Viscosity was assessed at varying shear rates, including 200 rpm, 150 rpm, 100 rpm, 60 rpm and 30 rpm.

Stability testing

The stability of the prepared polyherbal formulation was determined by exposing ten portions of the final syrup (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2, E1 and E2) to accelerated temperature conditions. These samples were stored in amber-colored glass bottles at a temperature of 4°C and room temperature. At intervals of 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours and 1 month the samples were evaluated for the physicochemical parameters, turbidity and homogeneity with the objective of detecting any alterations in their properties.

Qualitative phytochemical screening

The extracts of the selected plants and the PHF were subjected to phytochemical screening to know the presence of secondary metabolites which includes alkaloids, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, sterols, triterpenoids, flavonoids, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and glycosides (Shaikh and Patil (Shailaja et al., 2017) [7] ). Procedures for the different phytochemical screening were mentioned in table 2.

Table 2. Qualitative phytochemical screening of PHF
S. No.ProceduresInferenceResult
11.Test for cardiac glycosidesBlue colour appears in the aceticPresence of cardiac
Keller Killiani testacid layer.glycosides
To the extract add 0.4 ml of glacial acetic acid containing a
trace amount of ferric chloride. It was transferred to a small
test tube and then 0.5 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid was
added carefully by the side of the test tube,

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Table 2
Qualitative phytochemical screening of PHF

Qualitative phytochemical screening of PHF

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Table 2. Qualitative phytochemical screening of PHF
S. No.ProceduresInferenceResult
1.Test for alkaloidsCream colour precipitatePresence of alkaloids
Mayer’s testOrange brown precipitate
To the filtrate few drops of Mayer’s reagent was addedYellow colour precipitate
Dragendroff’s reagentReddish brown precipitate
To the filtrate few drops of Dragendroff’s reagent was added
Hager’s test
To the filtrate few drops of Hager’s reagent was added
Wagner’s test
To the filtrate add few drops of Wagner’s reagent
2.Test for saponinsFoam remains for 2 minutesPresence of saponins
Foam Froth test
To a small quantity of the extract 5 ml of distilled water was
added and shake for 5 minutes in test tube
3.Test for phenolic compoundsBlue or green colour appearsPresence of phenolic
Add 3 drops of 10% ferric chloride to a small quantity of ex-compounds
tract in a test tube
4.Test for tanninsWhite precipitate formedPresence of tannins
To the extract, 1% of gelatin and 10% sodium chloride were
added
5.Test for sterolsA brown colour ring at the junctionPresence ofsterols
Libermann – Buchard testof the two liquids
To a small quantity of extract add 2 ml of acetic anhydride
and add 2 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid along the sides
of the test tubes
6.Test for triterpenoidsYellow colour appears at lowerPresence of triterpenoids
Salkowski testlayer
To the extract first add with chloroform and then add with
few drops of concentrated Sulphuric acid, shaken and al-
lowed standing for some time
7.Test for flavonoidsIntense yellow colour appearsPresence of flavonoids
Alkaline reagent testYellow colour disappears
To the extract few drops of 1% sodium hydroxide solutionAppearance of Pink scarlet,
was addedCrimson red or green to blue colour
To this colour, add 1 ml of dilute hydrochloric acid along the
sides of the test tube
Shinoda test
To the extract, few fragments of magnesium ribbon was
added followed by concentrated hydrochloric acid drop wise
8.Test for aminoacid and proteinViolet colour appearsPresence of aminoacid and
Ninhydrin testprotein
To 1 ml of extract add 1 ml of ninhydrin solution and heat at
50°C for 1 minute
9.Test for carbohydratesPurple to violet colour ring appearsPresence of carbohydrate
Molisch’s testat the junction
To the 0.5 ml of extract, add few drops of alcoholic alphaReddish brown precipitate
naphthol and 0.2 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid slowly
through the sides of the test tube
Benedict’s test
To a small quantity of extract add 2 ml of Benedict’s reagent
and heat gently
10.Test for glycosidesBlood red colour appearsPresence of glycosides
Legal’s test
To the extract add 2 drops of pyridine and alkaline sodium
nitroprusside solution

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Table 2
Qualitative phytochemical screening of PHF

Qualitative phytochemical screening of PHF

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Quantitative analysis of polyherbal formulation

In the quantitative analysis of the PHF, the determination of both total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) was conducted by Folin-Ciocalteu method and Aluminum Chloride Colorimetric Assay, respectively (Madaan et al (Majumdar et al., 2021) [8] , Phuyal et al (Rajmane et al., 2020) [9] ).

Estimation of total phenolic content (TPC)

The concentration of phenolic compounds in the PHF was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Standard gallic acid solution and the PHF were prepared by dissolving them in methanol. Various concentrations of both the gallic acid solution and the PHF (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μg/ml) were prepared.

One ml of aliquot of each concentration was diluted with 10 ml of distilled water and added with 1.5 ml of Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCR) and then incubated at room temperature for 5 minutes, then 4 ml of 20% Na 2 CO 3 was added and the volume was adjusted with distilled water to 25 ml. The resulting blue-coloured mixture was thoroughly mixed and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature. After incubation, the absorbance was measured at 765 nm against a blank. The FCR reagent oxidizes phenolic compounds in the PHF, causing it to change into a dark blue color, which was then quantified using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The total phenolic content of the PHF was expressed as milligrams of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of the sample in dry weight (mg/g).

Estimation of total flavonoid content (TFC)

The total flavonoid content in the PHF was determined through an Aluminum Chloride Colorimetric Assay. Stock solutions (4 mg/ml) of quercetin and the PHF were prepared by dissolving them in methanol. Then, both the standard solution and the sample were subsequently serially diluted to create various concentrations of 0.25 mg/ml, 0.5 mg/ml, 0.75 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml solutions. For each concentration, 1 ml of quercetin and 1 ml of the PHF were added in a test tube containing 4 ml of distilled water. Simultaneously, 0.3 ml of 5% NaNO 2 was introduced into the test tube, followed by an addition of 0.3 ml of 10% AlCl 3 after 5 minutes. Subsequently, 2 ml of 1 M NaOH was added to the mixture after 6 minutes. The volume of the mixture was adjusted to 10 ml by promptly adding 4.4 ml of distilled water. The flavonoid content was expressed as quercetin equivalent (mg QE/g) using a linear equation derived from the standard calibration curve.

Determination of in vitro antioxidant activity 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity

The free radical scavenging capacity of the PHF was assessed using the DPPH assay (Harichandan et al (Hossain et al., 2012) [10] ). The DPPH solution (0.004% w/v) was prepared by dilution in methanol. Stock solutions of the polyherbal formulation (1 mg/ml) and standard ascorbic acid (0.05 g/ml) were prepared using methanol. Various concentrations (10-500 µg/mL) of the polyherbal formulation and ascorbic acid were placed in test tubes. To each test tube, 1 ml of freshly prepared DPPH solution was added and the test tubes were shielded from light by covering them with aluminum foil. The final volume in each test tube was adjusted to 2 ml with methanol and the mixtures were incubated in the dark for 30 minutes at room temperature. After incubation, the absorbance was measured at 517 nm using a spectrophotometer. A control sample was prepared, which contains the same volume of methanol and DPPH without any polyherbal formulation, and another one with reference ascorbic acid. Methanol was used as the blank. The calculation of free radical scavenging was performed using the following formula:

Results

Results

Evaluation of polyherbal formulation

Evaluation of polyherbal formulation

Physicochemical properties

The polyherbal formulation showed acceptable physicochemical properties. It had a reddish-brown colour, aromatic odour and sweet taste, including good palatability. The pH (6.7) was near neutral, suitable for oral use. The density (1.180 g/ml) and specific gravity (1.184) confirmed proper consistency. The viscosity were found to be 13.0 cP, 12.9 cP, 12.7 cP, 12.6 Cp, 11.7 cP at 200 rpm, 150 rpm, 100 rpm, 60 rpm, 30 rpm, respectively, indicating good flow properties. The stability testing showed that there was no characteristic changes in PHF, stored after one month and the results were showed in table 3.

Table 3. Stability Testing of PHF
Stability Testing of PHF↗ Enlarge
Table 3
Stability Testing of PHF

Stability Testing of PHF

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 6 ↗

Qualitative phytochemical screening

The results of the qualitative phytochemical screening of the individual extracts and the PHF are summarized in table 4. The individual extracts and the PHF showed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, alkaloids, glycosides, saponin glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, sterols and terpenoids. The carbohydrate is absent in Andrographis paniculata and Ocimum sanctum. In Asparagus racemosus, proteins and amino acids were absent. Cardiac glycosides is absent in all the selected plants, whereas the PHF exhibited the presence of all phytochemical constituents, except cardiac glycosides.

Table 4. Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis of Individual Extract and Polyherbal Formulation
Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis of Individual Extract and Polyherbal Formulation↗ Enlarge
Table 4
Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis of Individual Extract and Polyherbal Formulation

Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis of Individual Extract and Polyherbal Formulation

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 6 ↗

Quantitative analysis of polyherbal formulation

Quantitative analysis of polyherbal formulation

Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC)

The total phenolic content of individual herbs and PHF were measured by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent in terms of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and is showed in table 5 and the total flavonoid content was expressed in terms of quercetin equivalent and the results were shown in table 6.

Table 6. Total Flavonoid Content of Individual Extracts and PHF
S. NoPlantsTFC (mg/g QE)
1Asparagus racemosus152.70 ± 1.45
2Withania somnifera1.90 ± 0.06
3Andrographis paniculata1.10 ± 0.06
4Ocimum sanctum88.50 ± 0.29
5Piper nigrum98.00 ± 0.58
6PHF123.70 ± 0.88

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Table 6
Total Flavonoid Content of Individual Extracts and PHF

Total Flavonoid Content of Individual Extracts and PHF

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Table 5. Total Phenolic Content of Individual Extracts and PHF
S. NoPlantsTPC (mg/g GAE)
1Asparagus racemosus87.42 ± 0.56
2Withania somnifera57.42 ± 1.13
3Andrographis paniculata68.16 ± 0.22
4Ocimum sanctum89.94 ± 0.19
5Piper nigrum97.19 ± 0.31
6PHF158.30 ± 3.38

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Table 5
Total Phenolic Content of Individual Extracts and PHF

Total Phenolic Content of Individual Extracts and PHF

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Original paper tableSource PDF · page 7 ↗

In vitro antioxidant activity 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity

The DPPH free radical scavenging activity exerted by PHF as well as ascorbic acid were summarized in table 7 and figure 1. The IC 50 of PHF was found to be 86.21 μg/ml.

Figure 1. DPPH Scavenging Activity of PHF - Percentage of Inhibition
DPPH Scavenging Activity of PHF - Percentage of Inhibition↗ Enlarge
Figure 1
DPPH Scavenging Activity of PHF - Percentage of Inhibition

DPPH Scavenging Activity of PHF - Percentage of Inhibition

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Table 7. DPPH Scavenging Activity of PHF - Percentage of Inhibition
DPPH Scavenging Activity of PHF - Percentage of Inhibition↗ Enlarge
Table 7
DPPH Scavenging Activity of PHF - Percentage of Inhibition

DPPH Scavenging Activity of PHF - Percentage of Inhibition

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Original paper figureSource PDF · page 7 ↗

Discussion

Discussion

Evaluation of polyherbal formulation

In the present study, the PHF exhibited a reddish brown color, sweety taste and neutral pH. The pH obtained from the prepared polyherbal formulation was 6.7, which is correlated with Rajmane et al (Rowe et al., 2006) [11] , reported the pH of antitussive syrup was 6.98 and 6.51. Maintaining a near-neutral pH is essential as it enhances formulation stability, minimizes irritation and ensures compatibility with biological systems. The density of the PHF was 1.18 g/ml, which is close to 1.43 g/ml of anti-tussive syrup prepared by Rajmane et al (Rowe et al., 2006) [11] and almost nearer to 1.06 g/ml of a polyherbal syrup prepared by Patil et al (Phuyal et al., 2020) [12] . This indicates uniformity in composition and proper solubilization of ingredients in preparation. The specific gravity of the PHF was found to be 1.184 which correlates to the findings of Karishma et al (Madaan et al., 2011) [4] and Thangarathinam et al (Yahfoufi et al., 2018) [2] , reported as 1.26 and 1.18, respectively for polyherbal syrups. It ensures the consistency and reproducibility of the formulation. The viscosity of the PHF was 13 cP, which is similar to the findings of 17.05 cP viscosity of polyherbal syrup by Karishma et al (Madaan et al., 2011) [4] . This moderate viscosity ensures ease of administration while maintaining adequate suspension of active constituents, thereby preventing rapid sedimentation. Stability ensures a drug product meets defined standards for identity, strength, purity, and quality over a specific storage period. All components, whether active molecules or excipients, can impact stability. Additionally, particle size, pH, container properties, and the presence of contaminants affect the stability of the drug product. The goal of the present investigation is to maintain these essential characteristics within predefined limits. The prepared PHF were stored for a period of one month and does not show any changes in the physicochemical characters.

Qualitative phytochemical screening

The phytochemical screening of individual extracts and the PHF revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, tannins, terpenoids, sterols, carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids. The immunomodulatory properties are mainly due to the presence of phenols and flavonoids. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds contributed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (Cecchini et al [13] ), alkaloids might have interacted with immune cells, glycosides influence cellular signaling, tannins affect cytokine production, and terpenoids and sterols possessed antimicrobial properties. The present study's findings, especially those related to the identified phytocomponents are in agreemet with the results reported by Majumdar et al (Patil et al., 2019) [14] . who demonstrated the immunomodulatory, antioxidant and diverse pharmacological activities of the polyherbal formulation.

Quantitative analysis of polyherbal formulation Total phenolic content (TPC)

Phenolic compounds are a diverse group of secondary metabolites found in plants and are known for their antioxidant properties. A higher total phenolic content is generally associated with increased antioxidant activity, which can be beneficial by neutralizing free radi-cals and reducing oxidative stress (Yahfoufi et al (Zahiruddin et al., 2022) [15] ). In this study, the polyherbal formulation showed the higher phenolic content which could be (158.30 ± 3.38) due to the synergistic action of the selected plants that might have acted as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, supporting immune modulation by regulating responses and interacting with immune cells and signaling pathways. These results are in accordance with the findings of (Cecchini et al) [13] , the higher phenolic and flavonoid content ob served in the polyherbal formulation suggested their potential role in facilitating antioxidant immunomodulatory effects.

Total flavonoid content (TFC)

Flavonoids are a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds found in plants. The determination of total flavonoid content has been studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer including immunomodulatory properties in various studies (Hosseinzade et al (Karishma et al., 2021) [16] ). In this investigation, the polyherbal formulation demonstrated an elevated flavonoid content, attributed to the synergistic effects of the chosen plants. Flavonoids showcase antioxidant properties by neutralizing free radicals, binding metal ions (such as iron and copper), and hindering enzymes responsible for free radical generation (Hossain et al (Hosseinzade et al., 2019) [17] ).

In-vitro antioxidant activity 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity

The IC 50 value of the polyherbal formulation was found to be 86.21 μg/ml which is less compared to the standard ascorbic acid (55.37 ± 1.25 μg/ml), revealed high invitro antioxidant property and almost similar to Zahiruddin et al [18] who showed the IC 50 (82.54 ± 2.54 μg/ml) of the prepared immunomodulatory polyherbal formulation comprises Phyllanthus emblica L., Piper nigrum L., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, and Tinospora cordifolia (Wild). The combined extracts (PHF) revealed a superior antioxidant potential compared to the individual ones. The IC 50 value denotes the concentration of substrate causing a 50% reduction in free radical activity. A lower IC 50 value indicates increased antioxidant activity in the combination. The plant extracts present in the polyherbal blend contained elevated levels of phenols and flavonoids, likely contributing to the observed antioxidant effects (Deepak and Anurekha (Harichandan et al., 2019) [19] ).

Conclusion

The developed polyherbal formulation demonstrated good physicochemical stability, significant antioxidant activity and the presence of key bioactive phytoconstituents. These findings suggest its potential as a safe and effective formulation for mitigating vaccine induced stress and supporting immunomodulation in animals.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgmentsThe authors express their sincere gratitude to Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu for providing the permission, funding, facilities and infrastructure necessary for conducting this research. We thank the faculty mem-bers, technical staff, and laboratory personnel of the Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology and other departments of Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu for their valuable assistance and support throughout the study.

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  19. How to cite this article: Madhupriya S, Raja M, Kesavan G, Ranganathan V, K ST, Kannan K, et al. A novel polyherbal syrup with antioxidant potential: formulation, physicochemical characterization, and prospects for stress management. International Journal of Biology Sciences. 2026;8(10):14-21. doi: https://www. doi.org/10.33545/26649926.2026.v8.i10a.1003