FORMULATION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF A POLYHERBAL ANTACID POWDER CONTAINING SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS

P. Hemanth Kumar, P. Jahnavi, B. Poojitha, P. Srinivasa Babu, A. Bhavani Sailu*

ABSTRACT

Herbal medicines are increasingly explored as safer alternatives to conventional antacids because of their therapeutic efficacy, natural origin, and lower incidence of adverse effects. The present mini project aimed to formulate and evaluate a herbal antacid powder using namely Dried Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), and Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). These herbs were selected based on their well-established digestive, carminative, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, and gastroprotective properties. The formulation was prepared by drying, pulverizing, sieving, accurately weighing, and uniformly blending the powdered ingredients before packaging in airtight containers. The prepared formulation was evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, particle size distribution, bulk density, tapped density, angle of repose, pH, moisture content, acid-neutralizing capacity, and stability under both room temperature and accelerated storage conditions. The formulation exhibited acceptable physicochemical characteristics, good flow properties, desirable pH, low moisture content, and satisfactory acid-neutralizing capacity, indicating its effectiveness in neutralizing gastric acid. Stability studies demonstrated that the formulation retained its quality and performance throughout the storage period. The results suggest that the developed herbal antacid powder is a stable, economical, and promising natural formulation for the symptomatic management of hyperacidity and related gastrointestinal disorders. Further pharmacological and clinical investigations are recommended to establish its efficacy, safety, and long-term therapeutic potential.

Keywords: Herbal antacid powder, Acid-neutralizing capacity, Medicinal plants, Physicochemical evaluation, Gastroprotective activity.