CONTENT

CHAPTERS P.No.

 Introduction 2-20
 Plant Review 21-25
 Work Done 26-31
 Bibliography 32-34
 Chapter 1

Introduction

2
 Introduction

Phytomedicine is as ancient as human evolution, a practice that began with error and trial by our
ancestors. Phytomedicine involves the usage of herbs as medication, founded on customary
prudence or indulgent with scientific logic. It also comprises efficiency, quality, and security
exploring the mechanisms of action of definite herb extracts, their sequestered constituents,
including pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, clinical, and toxicity-based findings. Universal
attentiveness in the usage of therapeutic and aromatic herbs is growing overwhelmingly.
Advantageous properties of herb-based drugs and plant-derived products are in a continuous
process of exploration, resulting in the unearthing of novel plant-based pharmaceuticals.
Moreover, understanding the molecular mechanisms of conventional medication and its active
ingredients may help the renovating plant-derived medications and detecting novel phytoagents.
Extensive brilliant opportunities could exist in health sciences using modern sophisticated tools
and techniques to get the better results with such traditional medicines.

3
 Medicinal plants have played a key role in the world health care with about 80% of Africans
depending on phytomedicine, which has shown a wide range of users in the treatment of diseases
especially priority diseases of Africa such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, sickle-cell anemia, diabetes
and hypertension. These medicinal plants have more beneficial effect than their synthetic
counterparts through being safer, acceptable, affordable, culturally compatible and suitable for
chronic treatments. Some African phytomedicines are well known in the international market and
so supply economic benefit for the producing countries. The use of phytomedicine should be
integrated into the health agenda since effective health care cannot be achieved in Africa by
using orthodox medicine alone. This can be achieved by adopting the WHO memorandum and
guidelines for the institutionalization of phytomedicine into the health sector. Although there are
some problems limiting the development of phytomedicine, such as lack of standardization,
efficacy and quality control of plants used, extinction of some plant species, lack of funds and
others, if these problems can be fully adressed, this will help in the future development and
harmonization of phytomedicines.

Benefits of herbal medicine

4
 Herbal medicines (HM) include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal

products that contain as active ingredients parts of plants, or other plant materials, or
combinations and are used especially for the prevention and treatment of diseases In
contemporary times, HM remains a major component of the primary healthcare in many rural
African and Asian communities. It also constitutes an integral part of the culture of many
societies of the world. Many herbs and herbal recipes have a long traditional history of folk uses
and claims of health benefits. Scientific research has shown that HMs contain complex chemical
compounds that are responsible for the pharmacological activities, which corresponds to health
benefits and/or toxicity they elicit. HMs have been used as prophylaxes for the passive
maintenance of health as well as for radical treatment of varieties of mild to serious diseases. In
contemporary times, HMs are prepared and used in different forms, which also affect their
activity outcomes. The dosage form of herbal medicines varies widely depending on such factors
as the type of disease to be treated, route of application, patient, culture and even philosophical
backgrounds. In homes and traditional medicine clinics, HMs are prepared often from fresh or
dried herbs which are commonly made into infusions, decoctions, poultices, powders to be

5
 poured into open wounds or incorporated into native beverages, puddings, and so on.
Conventional commercial HMs products are commonly available as pills, capsules, tablets,
powders/granules, creams, ointments, and so on. The presentation of HMs in pharmaceutical
dosage forms is expected to enhance accurate dosing, esthetics as well as compliance by enticing
usage.Safety and efficacy is another important factor overriding the use and commercialization of
HMs. The quality of herbal products is essentially dependent on the safety and efficacy of the
herbal material in relation to the intrinsic chemical components, type of contaminants as well as
the production processing. The chemical compounds that are contained in herbal materials have
shown a wide range of benefits in the management of various diseases including challenging
diseases/conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, sickle cell disease, malaria and other infectious
diseases as well as noninfectious diseases such as diabetes, obesity, infertility, and so on. Despite
the wide acceptance, benefits and sometimes the misconceptions: there is a compelling need for a
decisive control of HMs to ensure that enough and correct information on herbal materials and
herbal products are always available to especially healthcare providers and the general public
particularly on subjects such as identification, quality, safety and efficacy of the HM. Herbs

and their use

Ashwagandha - Ashwagandha comes from the Withania somnifera plant, also known as Indian
ginseng and Indian winter cherry. The evergreen shrub is native to Africa and Asia and grows in
some parts of the Middle East and India.

Traditional uses

Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. The versatile
herb is common in Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional medicine system in India) to boost energy
levels, decrease anxiety and stress, and reduce pain and inflammation.

6
 Chamomile

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis), also known as English

chamomile, is native to Morocco and Europe. It belongs to the Asteraceae family.

Roman Chamomile is one of several variations of the chamomile plant. Another common type of
chamomile is German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). Roman chamomile and German
chamomile are not the same species. This article covers Roman chamomile, not German
chamomile.

Traditional uses

Roman chamomile is used to make tea, creams, ointments, and extracts, mainly from the plant’s
white and yellow flower portion. Flower heads are first dried, then used to make powders or tea.
They may also be steamed to produce chamomile essential oil.

Echinacea – Echinacea is a genus of flowering herbaceous plants in the Asteraceae (daisy)

family. These plants are native to North America and abundant in the United States.

The Echinacea genus is made up of nine species of perennial plants. Three species of the
flowering herb echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea angustifolia)
are commonly used medicinally. Most of the research on echinacea focuses on the species
Echinacea purpurea.

Traditional uses

Anti-inflammatory

Immunomodulatory (immune system modifying)

Anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing)

Antimicrobial

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 Antiviral

Garlic - Since ancient times, garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been associated with a variety of
biological processes. Garlic contains many biologically active components that help it to be used
in pharmaceuticals.

Uses - Garlic inhibits and destroys bacteria, fungus, and parasites, as well as lowers blood
pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels, preventing blood clotting and protecting the liver. It also
has anticancer effects . Garlic can also help to improve the immune system, prevent sickness, and
preserve good health.

Ginger - Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger,
is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual
pseudostems (false stems made of the rolled bases of leaves) about one meter tall, bearing narrow
leaf blades. The inflorescences bear flowers having pale yellow petals with purple edges, and
arise directly from the rhizome on separate shoots.

Traditional uses - Used in traditional medicine in China, India and Japan for centuries, and as a
dietary supplement, research shows that ginger may be helpful for mild nausea and vomiting
associated with pregnancy, although its safety has not been demonstrated. It remains uncertain
whether ginger is effective for treating any disease, and use of ginger as a drug has not been
approved by the FDA. In 2020, world production of ginger was 4.3 million tonnes, led by India
with 43% of the world total.

Ginseng - Panax ginseng, a type of ginseng commonly used in herbal medicine, has been touted
for several health benefits, including in cholesterol, inflammation, diabetes, and other uses.
However, there is not enough high-quality research to confirm the benefits of this herb.

The ginseng plant grows in the mountains of East Asia, where its roots are harvested into ginseng
that is consumed—often in teas and supplements.

8
 Traditional uses - Panax ginseng is often promoted as a general tonic to improve well-being or
cholesterol health. It’s also sometimes taken for inflammatory conditions or to help lower blood
sugar in those with diabetes.

Though touted to help with several health conditions, there is not enough high-quality research to
provide clear recommendations for Panax ginseng’s used

9
 Phytochemical screening

Phytochemicals (Greek: phyton = plant) are chemical compounds naturally present in the Plants
attributing to positive or negative health effects . Medicinal plants used in different Diseases and
ailments are the richest bio reservoirs of various phytochemicals. The medicinal Properties of the
plants are determined by the phytochemical constituents. Some of the Important phytochemicals
include alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, steroids,Glycosides, terpenes, etc.
which are distributed in various parts of the plants . Nature is a Unique source of structures of
high phytochemical diversity representing phenolics (45%), Terpenoids and steroids (27%) and
alkaloids (18%) as major groups of phytochemicals . Although, these compounds seem to be
non-essential to the plant producing them, they play a Vital role in survival by mediation of
ecological interactions with competitors, protect them From diseases, pollution, stress, UV rays
and also contribute for colour, aroma and flavour With respect to the plant. The metabolites
produced by the plants to protect themselves against Biotic and abiotic stresses have turned into
medicines that people can use to treat various Diseases Phytochemicals can be separated from the
plant material by various extraction techniques. The Most commonly used conventional methods
include maceration, percolation, infusion, Digestion, decoction, hot continuous extraction
(Soxhlet extraction) etc.,

10
 Extraction process

Extraction as the term is used pharmaceutically, involves the separation of medicinally Active
portions of plant or animal tissues from the inactive or inert components by using selective
Solvents in standard extraction procedures. The products so obtained from plants are relatively
Impure liquids, semisolids or powders intended only for oral or external use. These include
classes of preparations known as decoctions, infusions, fluid extracts, Tinctures, pilular
(semisolid) extracts and powdered extracts. Such preparations popularly have Been called
galenicals, named after Galen, the second century Greek physician. The purposes of Standardized
extraction procedures for crude drugs are to attain the therapeutically desired Portion and to
eliminate the inert material by treatment with a selective solvent known as Menstruum. The
extract thus obtained may be ready for use as a medicinal agent in the form of Tinctures and fluid
extracts, it may be further processed to be incorporated in any dosage form Such as tablets or
capsules, or it may be fractionated to isolate individual chemical entities such As ajmalicine,
hyoscine and vincristine, which are modern drugs. Thus, standardization of Extraction
procedures contributes significantly to the final quality of the herbal drug.

METHODS

1) Maceration

2) Infusion

3) Digestion

4) Decoction

5) Percolation

6) Hot Continuous Extraction (Soxhlet)

11
 1 ) Maceration

In this process, the whole or coarsely powdered crude drug is placed in a stoppered Container
with the solvent and allowed to stand at room temperature for a period of at least 3 Days with
frequent agitation until the soluble matter has dissolved. The mixture then is strained, The marc
(the damp solid material) is pressed, and the combined liquids are clarified by filtration Or
decantation after standing.

2) – INFUSION

Fresh infusions are prepared by macerating the crude drug for a short period of time with Cold or
boiling water. These are dilute solutions of the readily soluble constituents of crude Drugs.

3) –Digestion

This is a form of maceration in which gentle heat is used during the process of extraction.It is
used when moderately elevated temperature is not objectionable. The solvent efficiency of The
menstruum is thereby increased.

4) – Decoction

In this process, the crude drug is boiled in a specified volume of water for a defined time; it is
Then cooled and strained or filtered. This procedure is suitable for extracting water-soluble, heat-
Stable constituents. This process is typically used in preparation of Ayurvedic extracts called
“quath” or “kawath”. The starting ratio of crude drug to water is fixed, e.g. 1:4 or 1:16; the
Volume is then brought down to one-fourth its original volume by boiling during the extraction
Procedure. Then, the concentrated extract is filtered and used as such or processed further.

12
 5) -- Percolation

This is the procedure used most frequently to extract active ingredients in the preparation of
Tinctures and fluid extracts. A percolator (a narrow, cone-shaped vessel open at both ends) is
Generally used. The solid ingredients are moistened with an appropriate amount of the specified
Menstruum and allowed to stand for approximately 4 h in a well closed container, after which the
Mass is packed and the top of the percolator is closed. Additional menstruum is added to form a
Shallow layer above the mass, and the mixture is allowed to macerate in the closed percolator for
24 h. The outlet of the percolator then is opened and the liquid contained therein is allowed to
Drip slowly. Additional menstruum is added as required, until the percolate measures about
Three-quarters of the required volume of the finished product. The marc is then pressed and the
Expressed liquid is added to the percolate. Sufficient menstruum is added to produce the required
Volume, and the mixed liquid is clarified by filtration or by standing followed by decanting.

6) – Hot Continuous Extraction (Soxhlet)

In this method, the finely ground crude drug is placed in a porous bag or “thimble” made Of
strong filter paper, which is placed in chamber E of the Soxhlet apparatus . The Extracting
solvent in flask A is heated, and its vapors condense in condenser D. The condensed Extractant
drips into the thimble containing the crude drug, and extracts it by contact. When the Level of
liquid in chamber E rises to the top of siphon tube C, the liquid contents of chamber E Siphon
into fl ask A. This process is continuous and is carried out until a drop of solvent from the Siphon
tube does not leave residue when evaporated. The advantage of this method, compared to
Previously described methods, is that large amounts of drug can be extracted with a much
Smaller quantity of solvent. This effects tremendous economy in terms of time, energy and
Consequently financial inputs. At small scale, it is employed as a batch process only, but it
Becomes much more economical and viable when converted into a continuous extraction
Procedure on medium or large scale.

13
 Isolation Methods

While different techniques have evolved for the extrac-Tion of the phytoconstituents so as to
obtain crude Extracts (complex mixtures), fractions (simpler mix-Tures) and isolated (pure)
components from natural Sources. These are usually then subjected to a number Of further
analytical investigations in order to obtain More information on the properties of their constitu-
Ent substances.Broadly, the nature of further investigations after ex-Traction of a crude drug is of
three types:

1. Qualitative chemical analysis – determination of the Nature of the constituents of a mixture or

the structure Of an isolated compound.
2. Quantitative chemical analysis – determination of The purity of an isolated substance or the
concentration of a single substance or group of substances in a Mixture
3. Bioassays – determination of the biological or phar-Macological activity of substances and the
dose range Over which they exert their effects.

The amount of fraction available is possibly the most Important factor in making decisions about
its future Treatment and analysis. Investigative methods can be Either non-destructive or
destructive. Non-destructive Methods mean that the sample can be recovered and Used for other
tests. Some physico-chemical procedures, e. g. chemical tests, analytical chromatography, Mass
spectrometry and all biological testing procedures are destructive i. e. they ule up the sample and
Generally it cannot be recovered. Another important Factor is that th6 different types of analysis
require the Sample to be present in different types of medium. it is Always desirable to supply
the fractions as solids, which Can be weighed accurately and reconstituted in the Appropriate
solvents. The solid forms are usually produced from solutions by evaporation under reduced
Pressure to minimize decomposition or, in the case of aqueous solutions, by freeze-drying,
sometimes called Lyophilisation. (Heiurich, et al., 2004), (Kamboj, 2010).

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 Isolation techniques

1. Sublimation
2. Distillation
3. Fractional liberation
4. Fractional crystallization
5. Chromatography
 TLC(Thik layer chromatography)
 LC ( liquid chromatography)
 HPTLC( High performance thin layer chromatography)
 Column chromatography
 GS ( Gas chromatography)
 SFC(supercritical fluid chromatography
1. Sublimation

Sublimation is used for isolation of caffeine from tea, For its purification of materials present in a
crude ex-Tract and for separation of camphor. (Kamboj, 2010).

2. Distillation

Steam distillation is much used to isolate volatile oils And hydrocyanic acid form plant material.
The TAS Oven is used for steam distillation on a semi micro Scale for the direct transfer of
volatile materials from a Powdered drug to thin layer plate. (Heinrich, et al., 2004)

3. Fractional liberation

Some compounds are separated by fractional liberation from a mixture. A mixture of alkaloid
salts in Aqueous solution, when treated with aliquots of alkali, Will give first the weakest base in
the free salt followed By base liberation in ascending order of basicity. If the Mixture is shaken
with an organic solvent after each , then a fractionated series of base will be obtained. A similar
procedure is used for organic acids Soluble in water immiscible solvents. In this case, starting
with a mixture of the acid salts, it is possible to Fractionally liberate the acids by addition of

15
 mineral Acids. Sodium salts of acids on treatment with dilute HCl yield free organic acids. (Kar,
A 2007).

4. Fractional crystallization

The method is used on the difference in solubility of The components of a mixture in a particular
solvent. Frequently, derivatives of the particular components Are used (picrates of alkaloids,
osazones of sugars).(Yadav, et al., 2003).

5. Chromatography

Chromatography represents a group of techniques for Separation of compounds of mixtures by

their continuous distribution between two phases, one of which is Moving past the other.

 TLC(Thin layer chromatography)

TLC was first used as a chromatographic technique for compound separation by E. Stahl in 1958.
It entails the separation of a substance into two immiscible phases. It is now used to separate
Mixtures of all natural product classes and as an analytical tool in modern pharmacopoeias (Ali,
2008). TLC offers some advantages over paper chromatography. Fractionations can be
Accomplished more quickly with smaller amounts of the mixture, separation spots are usually
more Compact and clearly demarcated from one another, and the nature of the film is frequently
such that Drastic reagents, such as concentrated sulphuric acid, which would destroy paper
chromatography, Can be used to visualization of separated substance. (Evans, 1996). One of the
early disadvantages Of TLC was the labour involved in spreading glass plates with adsorbent,
which was somewhatalleviated by the later introduction of an automatic spreading device.
Nonetheless, even with these, Certain precautions must be taken. The most recent type of TLC
plate is coated with the fine micro Particles of silica used in HPLC columns. This type of
chromatography is known as HPTLC, and It typically produces more efficient and rapid
separations than conventional silica layers . (Purohit Et al., 2003).

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  Liquid chromatography
o Preparative high performance liquid chromatography

There are basically two types of preparative HPLC. One Is low pressure (typically under 5 bar)
traditional HPLC,Based on the use of glass or plastic columns filled with Low efficiency
packingmaterials of large particles and size distribution. A more recent form PLC, Preparative
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (Prep. HPLC) has been gaining popularity in
pharmaceutical Industry. In preparative HPLC (pressure >20 bar), larger Stainless steel columns
and packing materials (particle Size 10-30 ┤m are needed. The examples of normal Phase silica
columns are Kromasil 10 ┤m, Kromasil 16 ┤m, Chiralcel AS 20 ┤m whereas for reverse phase
are Chromasil C18, Chromasil C8, YMC C18. The aim is to Isolate or purify compounds,
whereas in analytical Work the goal is to get information about the sample.Preparative HPLC is
closer to analytical HPLC than traditional PLC, because its higher column efficiencies and Faster
solvent velocities permit more difficult separation to be conducted more quickly In analytical
HPLC,The important parameters are resolution, sensitivity and fast analysis time whereas in
preparative HPLC, Both the degree of solute purity as well as the amount of compound that can
be produced per unit time i. e. throughput or recovery are important. This is very Important in
pharmaceutical industry of today because New products (Natural, Synthetic) have to be
introduced to the market as quickly as possible. Having Available such a powerful purification
technique makes It possible to spend less time on the synthesis conditions.

o Liquid Chromatography- Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS)

In Pharmaceutical industry LC-MS has become method of Of choice in many stages of drug
development. Recent Advances includes electro spray, thermo spray, and ion Spray ionization
techniques which offer unique advantages of high detection sensitivity and specificity, liquid
Secondary ion mass spectroscopy, later laser mass Spectroscopy with 600 MHz offers accurate
determination of molecular weight proteins, peptides. Isotopes Pattern can be detected by this
technique. (Cowan et Al., 1999).

17
 o Liquid Chromatography- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LC-NMR)

The combination of chromatographic separation technique with NMR spectroscopy is one of the
most powerful and time saving method for the separation and Structural elucidation of unknown
compound and mixtures, especially for the structure elucidation of light and And oxygen
sensitive substances. The online LC-NMR Technique allows the continuous registration of time
Changes as they appear in the chromatographic run Automated data acquisition and processing in
LC-NMRImproves speed and sensitivity of detection. The recent Introduction of pulsed field
gradient technique in high Resolution NMR as well as three-dimensional technique Improves
application in structure elucidation and molecular weight information. These new hyphenated
Techniques are useful in the areas of pharmacokinetics, Toxicity studies, drug metabolism and
drug discovery

 High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)

HPTLC is a powerful analytical method that is equally suitable for qualitative and quantitative
Analytical tasks. In today’s analytical world, HPTLC is playing an important role, not as a
Competitor to HPLC, but as a complementary method. The primary use of reversed phases in
HPLC Versus unmodified silica gel in HPTLC, resulting in partition and adsorption
chromatography, is one of the most obvious orthogonal features of the two techniques. Unlike
other methods, HPTLC Generates visible chromatograms that provide complex information
about the entire sample at a Glance. Multiple samples are viewed concurrently, allowing direct
comparison of reference and Test samples from different plates. In addition to visible
chromatograms, the chromatogram Contains data on analogue peaks. They can be evaluated
using image-based software video scan or Scanning densitometry with a TLC Scanner, which
measures the absorption and/or fluorescence of the substances on the plate. TLC is an offline
technique in which subsequent steps are relatively Independent, allowing parallel treatment of
multiple samples during chromatography, Derivatization, and detection. Some steps can be
repeated independently of others, such as post Chromatographic derivatization, where some

18
 reagents can be applied in sequence, allowing for Multiple derivatizations and thus multiple
detection of the same sample. (Mukherjee, 2008; Sethi, 1996)

 Column chromatography (CC)

Another common and useful separation technique in phytochemistry is column chromatography

(CC). This separation method employs the same principles as TLC, but it can separate larger
Quantities. CC can be applied on a large and small scale. This technique’s applications are broad
and cross many disciplines, including biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and medicine.
Column Chromatography is used to purify many common antibiotics. We can separate and
collect the Compounds individually thanks to CC. Nonpolar or low polarity solvents can be used
as mobile Phases in CC, allowing compounds to adsorb to the stationary phase before gradually
switching the polarity of the solvent to desorb the compounds and allow them to travel with the
mobile phase. the polarity of the solvents should be gradually changed. On a larger scale, mixing
two solvents Can generate heat and crack the column, resulting in poor separation. In industrial
processes, Columns can be as thin as a pencil or as large as several feet in diameter. They can
separate materials Ranging from milligrams to kilograms (Ali, 2008).

 Gas chromatography

Gas chromatography (GC) is a common type of chromatography used in analytical chemistry for
separating and analyzing compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition. Typical uses
of GC include testing the purity of a particular substance, or separating the different components
of a mixture. In preparative chromatography, GC can be used to prepare pure compounds from a
mixture.

Gas chromatography is also sometimes known as vapor-phase chromatography (VPC), or gas–

liquid partition chromatography (GLPC). These alternative names, as well as their respective
abbreviations, are frequently used in scientific literature. Gas chromatography is the process of
separating compounds in a mixture by injecting a gaseous or liquid sample into a mobile phase,
typically called the carrier gas, and passing the gas through a stationary phase. The mobile phase
is usually an inert gas or an unreactive gas such as helium, argon, nitrogen or hydrogen. The

19
 stationary phase can be solid or liquid, although most GC systems today use a polymeric liquid
stationary phase. The stationary phase is contained inside of a separation column. Today, most
GC columns are fused silica capillaries with an inner diameter of 100-320 μm and a length of 5-
60 m. The GC column is located inside an oven where the temperature of the gas can be
controlled and the effluent coming off the column is monitored by a suitable detector.

 Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC)

Supercritical fluid chromatography is a hybrid of gas and And liquid chromatography that
combines some of the Best features of each. This technique is an important Third kind of column
chromatography that is beginning to To find use in many industrial, regulatory and academic
Laboratories. SFC is important because it permits the Separation and determination of a group of
comPounds that are not conveniently handled by either gas or liquid chromatography. These
compounds are either Non-volatile or thermally labile so that GC procedures are inapplicable or
contain no functional group that Makes possible detection by the spectroscopic or
electrochemical technique employed in LC. SFC has been Applied to a wide variety of materials
including natural Products, drugs, foods and pesticides.

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 Chapter 2

Plant Review

21
 Zingiber Officinale

Zingiber officinale (Ginger):

Botanical Overview:

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, is a flowering plant belonging to the

Zingiberaceae family. The plant's rhizome, or underground stem, is the part most widely used for
culinary and medicinal purposes.

Historical Significance:

Ginger has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in
Southeast Asia and has been cultivated in India and China for over 4,000 years. Ginger was

22
 highly prized in ancient trade routes, including the Silk Road, making its way to the
Mediterranean and eventually Europe.

Culinary Uses

Ginger is a versatile spice with a warm and slightly spicy flavor. It is a staple in many cuisines
around the world. Used fresh, dried, or ground, ginger adds depth to both sweet and savory
dishes. It is a key ingredient in Asian cuisine, used in curries, stir-fries, and as a pickled
condiment.

Medicinal Properties:

Traditional medicine has long recognized the medicinal properties of ginger. It has been used to
alleviate nausea, aid digestion, and reduce inflammation. Modern research has explored its
potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, suggesting its role in supporting overall
health.

Cultural Significance:

Ginger holds cultural significance in various societies. It has been used in traditional rituals and
ceremonies. In some cultures, ginger is associated with warmth and hospitality. Additionally,
ginger plays a role in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese
Medicine.

Growing Conditions

Ginger thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It requires well-draining soil, partial shade,
and consistent moisture. The plant produces tall shoots with lance-shaped leaves and can reach
heights of up to 3 feet. The rhizomes are harvested when the plant dies back, usually after 8-10
months.

Other Uses:

23
 Apart from culinary and medicinal uses, ginger finds its way into various products. Ginger tea is
a popular beverage known for its soothing properties. The essential oil extracted from ginger is
used in aromatherapy, and ginger is also a common ingredient in cosmetic and skincare products.

24
 Curcumin

Ancient Roots:

Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric (Curcuma longa), a flowering plant native to
South Asia. Turmeric has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine,
dating back thousands of years. It was primarily valued for its vibrant yellow color and believed
medicinal properties.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses:

Turmeric, and subsequently curcumin, became integral to culinary practices in South Asian
cuisines, imparting a distinctive flavor and color to dishes. In traditional medicine, it was used to
address various ailments, serving as an anti-inflammatory agent and for its potential in wound
healing.

25
 Cultural Significance:

Turmeric holds cultural and religious significance in South Asian cultures. It is used in
ceremonies, rituals, and even in traditional Indian weddings where turmeric paste is applied to
the bride and groom for its auspicious and purifying qualities.

Isolation of Curcumin:

The isolation of curcumin as a distinct compound began in the 19th century. In 1815, two
scientists, Vogel and Pelletier, first isolated the "yellow coloring-matter" from turmeric. Later in
1910, Lampe identified and named the compound "curcumin."

Research and Modern Discoveries:

Throughout the 20th century, research on curcumin expanded. Its chemical structure was fully
elucidated in 1913, and subsequent studies explored its pharmacological properties. In the latter
half of the century, researchers began to investigate curcumin's potential health benefits,
including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Contemporary Interest and Health Benefits:

In recent decades, curcumin has gained widespread attention for its potential health benefits.
Numerous studies have explored its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. It
has become a subject of interest in the fields of nutrition, wellness, and integrative medicine

26
 Chapter 3

Work Done

27
 Material & Methods

Preparation of extracts

The collected plant materials (2 kg) of each were dried under shade, size reduced into coarse
powder and macerated separately with 4 L of water-ethanol mixture (1:1). After 7 days of
maceration, all the extract was filtered out and concentrated under vacuum using rotary vacuum
evaporator (Sunilson et al., 2008)12. The residue obtained was kept in a dessicator for further

studies.

28
29
30
 Preparation of herbal syrup

The simple syrup (66.67% w/v) was prepared as per Indian Pharmacopoeia. 200 mg of each

extracts of curcuma longa,, Zingiber officinale. ,Cinnamomum verum And 400 mg of each
extracts of O. sanctum, Glyzyrrhi Piper longum, Honey were Dissolved in simple syrup I.P. and
the volume was made up to 100 ml and finally preservatives was added.

Key ingredients

Curcuma longa

Zingiber officinale

Cinnamomum verum

Piper longum

Honey

Distilled water

Evaluation of formulated cough syrup

Physicochemical parameters like Specific gravity, Density, pH, Refractive index, Alcohol
content and Acid value were analyzed as per the standard procedure mentioned in Indian
Pharmacopoeia. The colour, odour and taste were also Recorded

Colour – Reddish brown

Odour – sweet aromatic

Taste – sweet

Specific gravity – 1.25

31
 Density – 1.37

Refractive index – 1.54

PH – 4.8

Alcohol content – 0.81

Acid value – 0.11

32
 DISCUSSION

Although, a number of synthetic preparations have proved to be effective for managing coughing
symptoms, acurative therapy for cough is lacking. The cough suppressant activity elicited by the
formulated herbal syrup may also be attributed to the presence of some phyto constituents such
as vasicinone and vasicinol1, Glycyrrhizin9, eugenol, carvacrol, geranial, citral ,caryophyllene
and withanine in the extracts of Terminalia chebula, Mentha piperita, Adhatoda vasica, Ocimum
sanctum, Zingiber officinale, Piper longum, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Withenia somnifera
respectively. Many of the currently available cough suppressants like Codeine, Ephedrine,
Bromohexine, Guaifensesin etc, produce significant depression, drowsiness and addiction which
makes their use unsatisfactory9

CONCLUSION

The present study has provided an experimental evidence for protection against cough by the
formulated poly herbal cough syrup. All the above findings support the traditional claims in
Ayurveda and Siddha foruse of this formulation in the treatment of cough by virtue of its
antitussive activity19. The Cough suppressant activity elicited by the formulated herbal syrup
may also be attributed to the presence of some phyto constituents such as T. cheb

33
 Chapter 4

BIBLIOGRAPHY

34
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 Thank you

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