EVALUATION AND FORMULATION OF HERB VITA CHOCOLATE AS AN IMMUNITY BOOSTER AND VITAMIN ENRICHED PRODUCT

Suhani Shah*, Prexa Vyas, Savaliya Priyanshi, Parth Sutariya, Naitik Prajapati, Nihar Thaker

ABSTRACT

The demand for nutraceutical and functional foods with health-promoting properties has increased significantly in recent years. Herbal formulations combined with food products can provide both nutritional and therapeutic benefits. The present research focuses on the formulation and evaluation of Herb-Vita Chocolate, a herbal nutraceutical designed to enhance immunity and provide essential vitamins. The objective of this study was to develop a palatable chocolate formulation incorporating selected herbal ingredients known for their immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. The formulation was prepared using a chocolate base consisting of moringa powder, tulsi powder and natural sweeteners, combined with herbal extracts rich in vitamins and bioactive phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and natural antioxidants. Herbs with potential immune-boosting activity and vitamin sources were incorporated in appropriate concentrations to improve nutritional value and therapeutic potential. The preparation involved melting, homogenization, and molding techniques to ensure uniform distribution of herbal components within the chocolate matrix. The prepared formulation was evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, weight variation, texture, hardness, and stability to determine product quality and acceptability. The results indicated that the formulated Herb-Vita Chocolate possessed acceptable taste, uniform texture, and good stability, suggesting its suitability as a functional nutraceutical product. In conclusion, Herb-Vita Chocolate represents a novel herbal dosage form that combines the health benefits of medicinal herbs with the consumer acceptability of chocolate, providing potential benefits for immunity enhancement and vitamin supplementation. Further studies including phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and stability studies are recommended to establish its efficacy and shelf life.

Keywords: Herbal chocolate, Nutraceutical formulation, Immunity booster, Vitamins, Herbal drug delivery system.