Formulation and Evaluation of Nutraceutical Dosage Form Derived from Vigna aconitifolia, Eleusine coracana and Chenopodium quinoa

Background

Natural products such as plants and herbs are primely opted for by the consumers these days for the treatment or mitigation of any health condition. And countless options present in our surroundings, that can offer an aid in the management and cure of many nutritional health conditions. Vigna aconitifolia (Moth bean), Eleusine coracana (Finger millet) and Chenopodium quinoa (Quinoa) are some of the examples, that are enriched with a huge amount of nutrients like vitamins and minerals (iron and calcium) that has a potential to be utilized as for the management of Iron deficiency anemia. But the limitations associated with these herbs is, their fluctuating therapeutic effects due to low solubility, poor bioavailability, and low stability.

Materials and Methods

In order to overcome all these limitations, Vigna aconitifolia, Eleusine coracana and Chenopodium quinoa were formulated as nutraceutical granules (a standardized solid dosage form). These crops are well-known for their lofty nutritional potential, which includes a wide range of bioactive ingredients and amino acids, as well as minerals and vitamins. This study examined the use of various materials, such as binders (potato and maize starch), flavors, sweeteners, and other necessary components, to formulate the nutraceutical granules using wet-granulation method. The granules were then tested for different standardization parameters like micromeritic evaluation, organoleptic characterization, physico-chemical evaluation, and in vitro dissolution study. The herbal powders of V aconitifolia, E. coracana and C. quinoa were successfully formulated into nutraceutical dosage form.

Results and Discussion

The results revealed that these nutraceutical granules showed improved physico-chemical, and micromeritic properties as compared to their powdered forms. In vitro dissolution profile of the granules was found to be upto 99.32%.

Conclusion

These are the economical and feasible options for the conventional formulations available for the management of nutritional disorders like iron deficiency anemia due their remarkable mineral (iron) content.