Design, Formulation and Evaluation of Oxymel Containing Andrographis paniculata Extract

Introduction: Andrographis paniculata is medicinal plant of family Acanthaceae, consists of bitter principles and traditionally used in treatment of several gastrointestinal diseases. To mask its bitter taste, it could be formulated in honey based oral formulations like oxymel. Honey, as a saturated solution of various sugars, as per Ayurvedic system of medicine, could be consumed along with drug. Aim: This research attempt was aimed towards aqueous extraction of A. paniculata powder; formulation of oxymel by addition to honey and evaluation for different parameters. Methods: Oxymel was formulated as per procedure mentioned in United State Pharmacopeia for squill oxymel; and evaluated for pharmaceutical parameters those applied for oral syrups. Results: The oxymel formulated was dark brownish with agreeable odour and sweet taste. It was pourable with viscosity of 27.14 CP at 45.02 torque measured at 100 rpm while density was found to be 1.25 gm/ml. There was also ease in cap opening of its container, also no crystallization of honey was observed. Its andrographolide content was found to be 411.0 µg/ml. Conclusion: Bitters of A. paniculata have significant pharmacological activities in human being, if administered orally. To mask their bitter taste and facilitate their increase in absorption, A. paniculata can successfully be formulated in honey based oral formulation of oxymel.