Churna formulation with natural sweetener and antioxidant studies.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Formulation development and in vitro antioxidant studies of Churnas containing natural sweetener and nutraceutical
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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V. R. Salunkhe, Dr. S B Bhise
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Formulation development and in vitro antioxidant studies of Churnas containing natural sweetener and nutraceutical
Year: 2009
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the formulation development and in vitro antioxidant potential of Churnas, a traditional Ayurvedic preparation, incorporating the natural sweetener Stevia rebaudiana. The research highlights the role of free radicals in various diseases and the potential of natural compounds to mitigate oxidative stress through antioxidant activities. Herbal products, like those studied, often exhibit fewer side effects than synthetic counterparts and can undergo changes in their chemical composition over time. This emphasizes the importance of stability studies and antioxidant capacity as key parameters for evaluating the efficacy and palatability of herbal formulations.
Antioxidant Potential of Churnas
One significant finding from the research is the antioxidant potential of the developed Churnas, which included both sweet and bitter versions. The hydroalcoholic extracts were analyzed using various antioxidant models, such as the DPPH assay, iron chelation test, and total antioxidant capacity. Results revealed that both sweet and bitter Churnas had varying scavenging effects on free radicals, with the sweet Churna demonstrating a more pronounced antioxidant capacity. This efficacy is attributed to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in the ingredients, suggesting that the inclusion of Stevia not only improves sweetness but may also enhance the therapeutic benefits of the formulation.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that Stevia rebaudiana serves as an effective natural sweetener and a nutraceutical, contributing positively to the antioxidant properties of Churnas. The optimization of sweetness levels ensures that the formulations remain palatable while retaining their beneficial qualities. The overall study reinforces the potential of combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern scientific evaluation to develop stable, effective herbal products. Future research should focus on further exploring the phytochemical composition of Stevia and its synergistic effects with other herbal ingredients to maximize the health benefits of Churnas.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the role of Stevia rebaudiana in Churnas?
Stevia rebaudiana acts as a natural sweetener and nutraceutical in Churnas, providing sweetness without significantly adding calories, while also contributing to the antioxidant potential of the formulation.
How were the antioxidant properties of Churnas evaluated?
The antioxidant properties of Churnas were evaluated using various in vitro models, including DPPH, iron chelation, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide radical scavenging assays, demonstrating their effectiveness in scavenging free radicals.
What are the main ingredients used in the Churnas?
The main ingredients in the Churnas include Gymnema sylvestre, Curcuma longa, Azadirachta indica, Aegle marmelos, Salacia chinensis, and Emblica officinalis, which are known for their health benefits, including antidiabetic properties.
What is the significance of free radicals in human health?
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause cellular damage, leading to diseases such as inflammation, diabetes, and aging. Antioxidants help neutralize these free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress, promoting overall health.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Churna formulation with natural sweetener and antioxidant studies.�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Bitter:
The term 'bitter' relates to the flavor profile of certain substances, particularly herbs like Gymnema sylvestre used in Churnas. Bitterness in formulations may act as therapeutic components, especially in anti-diabetic preparations, but it can also render some formulations less palatable, prompting the need for taste masking with sweeteners like Stevia.
2) Activity:
In this context, 'activity' refers to the biological effects and efficacy of the formulated Churnas in combating oxidative stress and free radical damage. The 'activity' is measured in terms of antioxidant potential, indicating how well the ingredients function to neutralize harmful radicals that contribute to various diseases.
3) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is a crucial ingredient in traditional medicine recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the studied Churnas, it contributes to the overall health benefits by enhancing the formulation's ability to scavenge free radicals and support metabolic functions.
4) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, or bael fruit, is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its digestive and health-promoting properties. Its inclusion in Churnas supports metabolic health and assists in managing diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels and exhibiting antioxidant capabilities, thereby enhancing the formulation's therapeutic effects.
5) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, also known as amla, is renowned for its high vitamin C content and potent antioxidant properties. In the context of Churnas, it plays a vital role by enhancing the immune system and providing significant protection against oxidative stress, making it essential for health applications.
6) Science (Scientific):
The term 'science' in this context refers to the systematic study and application of knowledge that underpins the formulation and evaluation of medicinal products like Churnas. It involves rigorous experimental methods to explore the antioxidant potential and the pharmacological effects of natural ingredients on health.
7) Water:
Water serves as a solvent in the extraction process of herbal ingredients, enabling the solubilization of active compounds. The quality and purity of water used in formulations are critical in ensuring the efficacy and safety of the Churnas, influencing the overall stability and bioavailability of the herbal ingredients.
8) Drug:
In this context, 'drug' refers to the medicinal properties of the Churnas that are derived from the combination of various herbal ingredients. Unlike synthetic drugs, these formulations leverage natural compounds to exhibit therapeutic effects, targeting conditions like diabetes while aiming for minimal side effects.
9) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a vital ingredient in traditional medicine known for its anti-diabetic and antimicrobial properties. Its inclusion in Churnas contributes to enhancing the therapeutic efficacy, aiding in managing blood sugar levels, and providing protective effects against infections and inflammation.
10) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The term 'anti-bacterial' denotes the ability of certain ingredients in the Churnas to inhibit bacterial growth and infection. Ingredients like neem are included specifically for their anti-bacterial properties, which ensure the formulations not only treat metabolic disorders but also offer protection against potential microbial threats.
11) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the bioactive compounds found in plants that contribute to health benefits. In the context of Churnas, the presence of various phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and phenolics, indicates the antioxidant potential of the formulations, which play critical roles in preventing oxidative stress and associated diseases.
12) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a physiological response that can lead to several chronic diseases. The studied Churnas are formulated with ingredients that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, addressing underlying causes of many health issues and supporting the body's defense mechanisms against injury and disease processes.
13) Discussion:
In scientific writing, 'discussion' refers to the analytical commentary where the results and findings are interpreted in the context of existing knowledge. It allows for the exploration of the implications of the antioxidant activities observed in Churnas and how these findings contribute to understanding herbal medicine efficacy.
14) Sugar:
The term 'sugar' in this study is primarily relevant in the context of sweeteners like Stevia aimed at improving the palatability of herbal formulations. The research contrasts traditional sugars with natural sweeteners to enhance the acceptance of bitter health products while managing diabetes and caloric intake.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Churna formulation with natural sweetener and antioxidant studies.�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Stevia rebaudiana, Flavonoid, Oxidative stress, Phytochemical study, DPPH assay, Hydroalcoholic extract, Antioxidant potential, Scavenging activity, Total antioxidant capacity, Nutraceutical, Superoxide radical, Clinical implication, Pathophysiological condition, Free Radical, Formulation Development, Taste-masking, In vitro antioxidant studies, Iron chelating activity, Antidiabetic formulation, Natural sweetener.