Preparation, Evaluation and Comparative Study of Herbal Lozenges from Plectranthus Amboinicus Leaf Extract and Essential Oil

Abstract

Plectranthus amboinicus is an herb species ordinarily well-known as Panikoorka of the family of Lamiaceae. These plant species are recognized in every part of India and it is a medicinal plant which is utilised in folkloric medicines for diseases like Flu, bronchitis and epilepsy. This study aims to formulate and evaluate herbal lozenges from Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract & essential oil and to compare the antibacterial activity of it. Fresh leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus were collected, authenticated and subjected to cold maceration to obtain hydroalcoholic extract.
The preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. In this study lozenges are prepared with Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract and its essential oil.
The prepared lozenges underwent organoleptic evaluation, assessing shape, texture, odor, color, taste, and type, as well as physicochemical characterization, including disintegration test, dissolution test, hardness, diameter, and weight variation. An in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the prepared herbal lozenges against Escherichia coli (E. coli), a Gram-negative bacterium.
The antimicrobial activity of Plectranthus amboinicus lozenges was evaluated, and the results showed that the lozenges exhibited a higher inhibition zone compared to the extract. This enhanced antimicrobial activity is attributed to the synergistic effects of the various ingredients present in the lozenges, including peppermint oil, glycerin, jaggery, and sugar, which possess inherent antibacterial properties that complement the bioactive compounds present in Plectranthus amboinicus.