WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Shaikh et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

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Volume 10, Issue 2, 1076-1088 Research Article ISSN 2278 – 4357

DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF POLYHERBAL

ANTHELMINTIC SYRUP

Firdous Shaikh1*, Yogesh Kolekar2, Yogesh Katkar3, Madhuri Dinde4 and Priyanka
Bhosale5

1,4
Department of Pharmaceutics, Satara College of Pharmacy, Satara, Affiliated to Dr.
Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere (India).
2,3
Department of Pharmaceutics, Satara College of Pharmacy, Satara, Affiliated to Shivaji
University, Kolhapur (India).
5
Department of Pharmacognosy, Satara College of Pharmacy, Satara, Affiliated to Dr.
Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere (India).

Article Received on
ABSTRACT
24 Nov. 2020, The aqueous extracts of the Musa paradisiaca leaves, ethanolic extract
Revised on 14 Dec. 2020,
Accepted on 04 Jan. 2021 of Curcuma longa and aqueous syrup of Zingiber officinale were
DOI: 10.20959/wjpps20212-18159 individually screened for their Anthelmintic activity by using adult
earthworm. These extracts were first screened for their Anthelmintic

*Corresponding Author
activity by preparing different concentrations and then by using these
Firdous Shaikh key ingredients as API plus by adding some additive in it, the
Department of formulation was prepared. World Health Organization (WHO) estimate
Pharmaceutics, Satara
that a staggering two billion people harbour parasitic worm infections.
College of Pharmacy,
Parasitic worms also infect livestock and crops, affecting food
Satara, Affiliated to Dr.
Babasaheb Ambedkar
production with resultant economic impact. Regardless of this
Technological University, dominance of parasitic infections, the research on Anthelmintic drug is
Lonere (India). poor. As per WHO, only a few drugs are often used in the treatment of
helminthes in human beings. Anthelmintics from the natural sources
may play an important role in the treatment of these parasitic infections. In the view of this,
the current investigation was carried out with the aim to prepare and evaluate the
Anthelmintic activity of an herbal formulation. Three different batches of this formulation
were prepared and then each batch was individually screened for Anthelmintic activity, the
batch which shows optimum effect was selected for the preparation of final formulation. It
was observed that the final formulation shows synergistic effect. The activity of this herbal

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Shaikh et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

formulation was checked against the marketed formulation, Albendazole tablet and
surprisingly herbal formulation shown better effect than the marketed one. Finally, the herbal
syrup was further explored for its evaluation tests.

KEYWORDS: Musa paradisiaca, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Anthelmintic

activity, Polyherbal syrup.

INTRODUCTION
Helminthes are recognized as a major problem to livestock’s throughout tropics. Helminth
infections are one of the prevalent diseases in developing and developed countries. Globally,
an estimated 2 billion people are infected by intestinal nematodes. The majority disease
caused by helminthes is of a chronic and devastating in nature, they most likely cause more
morbidity and greater monetary and social deprivation among humans and animals than any
other single group of parasites. The parasitic gastroenteritis is caused by mixed infection with
numerous stomach and intestinal worms, which leads to weakness, loss of appetite, reduced
feed efficiency, and decreased weight gain.[1]

On this, control is achieved by use of synthetic Anthelmintics. But, by this chemotherapeutic

practice, parasites developed a resistance against Anthelmintic formulation. Furthermore, it
has been reported that with the use of synthetic Anthelmintics having significant
toxicity/adverse effects to human beings and are present in foods derived from livestock,
posing a serious threat to human health. So, there is a need to develop an herbal or natural
remedy for it, which has lesser side effects as compared to the synthetic one. The only
practical way of developing cheaper and effective Anthelmintic is to study indigenous herbal
remedies. Assessment of the activities of medicinal plants alleged for Anthelmintic property
is seeking attention these days.

Taking into consideration all the threats brought about by a synthetic Anthelmintic
formulation, it was decided to formulate a polyherbal Anthelmintic formulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Extraction of the leaves of musa paradisiaca
Leaves of the plant Musa paradisiaca were collected and identified from a botanist using
preserved germplasm, Department of Botany, Lal Bahadur Shastri College, Satara. The
leaves were washed thoroughly under tap water to remove soil particles and other

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Shaikh et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

contaminates, followed by distilled water. It was then shade dried ground coarsely by using
mechanical blender and passed through 40 mesh sieve. Aqueous extract was prepared, 100
gm of powder soaked in 500 ml of distilled water for 48 hours with intermediate shaking.
Later, it was filtered through Whatman No. 42 filter paper. Extracts were evaporated to
dryness at 400 C in water bath.[2]

Extraction of the rhizomes of curcuma longa

The rhizomes of Curcuma longa were purchased from local market of Satara. The rhizomes
were washed carefully under running water, cut into small pieces, and shade dried for 2–3
weeks under room temperature. Finally, it was ground to a fine powder with the help of
electric grinder. Before further processing, 50 gm of fine powder of the rhizomes was
subjected to extraction. The ethanolic extract was prepared; 50 gm of powder was soaked in
100 ml of ethanol for 72 hrs at 370 C with intermediate shaking and stirring. Later, it was
filtered through Whatman No. 42 filter paper. Extracts were evaporated to dryness at 400 C in
water bath.[3]

Extraction of the rhizomes of zingiber officinale

The rhizomes of Zingiber officinale were purchased from local market of Satara. The
rhizomes were washed carefully under running water, cut into small pieces, and shade dried
for 2-3 weeks under room temperature. Finally, it was ground to a fine powder with the help
of electric grinder. Before further processing, 50 gm of powder of ginger rhizome was
subjected to preparation of syrup. The ginger syrup was prepared; 500 ml of boiled distilled
water was added to 100 gm of sugar (sucrose), after that 50 gm of powder was added. It was
heated continuously with stirring, until the volume was reduced to half. The solutions turned
deep golden or slightly darken. The solutions were cooled and filtered.[4]

Test organism for anthelmentic activity

Indian adult earthworms were collected from the Yashwantrao Chavan Institute of Science,
Satara. Earthworm was selected as model for Anthelmintic activity due to its anatomical and
physiological resemblance with the intestinal roundworms parasites of human beings. The
earthworms were maintained under normal vermin-composting medium with adequate supply
of nourishment and water, for about two weeks. Before the initiation of experiment, the
earthworms were washed with distilled water. Adult earthworms of approximately 4 cm in
length and 0.2-0.3 cm in width were used for the experiment.[5]

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Shaikh et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

 Preparation of reference or standard solution

Reference standard of Albendazole was obtained from local medical shop. Different standard
concentrations of Albendazole like 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, and 200 mg/ml was
prepared by dissolving with distilled water.
i. Preparation of musa paradisiaca solution
Different standard concentrations of Musa paradisiaca like 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, and 100
mg/ml, prepared by dissolving with distilled water.
ii. Preparation of curcuma longa solution
Different standard concentrations of Curcuma longa like 1 mg/ml, 2.5 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml, and
10 mg/ml of was prepared by dissolving with distilled water.
iii. Preparation of zingiber officinale solution
Different standard concentrations of Zingiber officinale like 5 mg/ml, 10mg/ml, 15 mg/ml,
was prepared by dissolving with distilled water.

Procedure of polyherbal anthelmentic syrup

1) 2 ml of C. longa solution was added in 10 ml of M. paradisiaca solution and stirred
manually with the help of stirrer.
2) 15 ml of Z. officinale solution was taken in another beaker and this solution was added
drop wise into the beaker containing mixture of M. paradisiaca and C. longa solution.
3) 0.1 gm of propyl paraben and 0.1 gm of methyl paraben was added to the above mixture
with continuous stirring.
4) The volume was made up to 30 ml with distilled water.

Evaluation of formulated polyherbal anthelmintic syrup

1. Organoleptic property
Physical evaluation of formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup (colour, odour, taste) was
done by sensory and visual inspection and compared with the marketed syrup.
 Colour examination
5 ml of formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup was taken into watch glasses and placed
against white back ground in white tube light. It was observed for its colour by naked eye.
 Odour examination
2 ml of formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup was smelled individually. The time
interval among two samples smelling was kept 2 minutes to nullify the effect of previous
smelling.

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 Taste examination
A pinch of formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup was taken and examined for its taste
on taste buds of the tongue.
2. Density
The density of formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup was determined by using density
bottle which was calibrated one. Weight of the empty density bottle, was recorded as W 1.
After that, the density bottle was filled with the formulation and recorded the weight of bottle
as W2. W2 was subtracted from W1 to get the mass or weight of formulation. The value of
mass of formulation and volume of formulation was put in the formula,
ρ = M/V
Where,
ρ = density
M= mass
V= volume
Weight of empty bottle = (W1) =12.52 gm
Weight of bottle with formulation = (W2) = 45.14
M = W2-W1 =32.70
V = volume of bottle = 25 ml
Density = 32.70/25 = 1.308 kg/m3
3. Viscosity
The viscosity of formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup was determined by using
Ostwald viscometer. The measured quantity of polyherbal Anthelmintic syrup given in
viscometer and viscosity was measured.
Formula,
Ƞ = ρ2 t2/ρ1 t1 × Ƞw
Where,
Ƞw = viscosity of water
Ƞ = viscosity of test formulation
ρ2 = density of test formulation
ρ1 = density of water
t2 = timing of runoff of formulation
t1 = timing of runoff of water
Ƞ = 1.308×48/1×23 ×0.890
Ƞ = 2.729×0.890

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Ƞ = 2.429 pa.s
4. pH
An accurately measured amount of 10 ml of the formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup
was placed in a 100 ml volumetric flask and made up the volume up to 100 ml with distilled
water. The solution was sonicated for about 10 minutes. After that, the calibration of the pH
meter was done by using buffer solution having pH 4, 7, 9.2. Then, the pH of formulation
was measured by previously standardized or calibrated digital pH meter. The pH was found
to be 6.3.
5. Accelerated stability studies
The formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup was stored at 2-80 and at room temperature
for three weeks and then analyzed for its colour, taste, odour, pH, viscosity, crystal growth.
After three weeks, it was found that, there was no change in their organoleptic property and
other evaluation tests.
6. Freeze and Thaw studies
The freeze and thaw studies were done by exposing the formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic
Syrup alternately at 80C and no precipitation and turbidity was observed in the formulation.[6]
7. Determination of crystal growth
The crystal growth formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup was determined after 24 hrs.
No crystal growth was found in the formulation.
8. Consistency or clarity test
The formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup was stored at room temperature for three
weeks. Then, the prepared formulation was checked for its clarity. Clarity was tested by
visual inspection of containers under light against a black and white background. [7] It was
found that the formulation was clear solution and it does not contain any solid particle or
fibre.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Natural remedies are more acceptable with a belief that they are safer or have fewer side
effects than the synthetic ones. Herbal formulations have increasing demand in the global
market. The attempt of this study was successful in establishing safety and efficacy of a new
polyherbal oral formulation comprising extracts of Musa paradisiaca, Curcuma longa and
Zingiber officinale. The studies revealed that the herbal extract mixture selected for
formulation was effective with in-vitro Anthelmintic activity. Developed polyherbal oral
formulation consisting of extracts mixture of three plants was also found to be effective as

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anthelmintic agent by in vitro. The three different batches of formulation were prepared
(Table No. 6) and amongst that the most effective batch was selected (Table No. 8). It was
observed that the formulated Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup shows synergistic effect. The
different evaluation tests like organoleptic property, density, viscosity, pH were performed,
which was found to be 1.308 kg/m3, 2.429 pas, 6.3, respectively. The accelerated stability
test was performed and formulation was found to be stable at accelerated temperature. Freeze
and thaw studies were carried out in which no precipitation and turbidity was observed. The
crystal growth and consistency tests were also performed and it was found that there was no
crystal growth and no solid particle was found. (Table No. 10 and 11) Anthelmintic activity
of final formulation was found to be more effective than the synthetic formulation of
Albendazole.

Table 1: Anthelmintic activity of albendazole.

Sr. No. Drug Concentration Time taken for Time taken for
(mg/ml) paralysis (mins) death (mins)
1. Albendazole 25 130 145
2. 50 117 129
3. 100 98 107
4. 200 80 95

Table 2: Anthelmintic activity of musa paradisiaca.

Sr. No. Drug Concentration Time taken for Time taken for
(mg/ml) paralysis (mins) death (mins)
1. Musa 25 51 60
2. paradisiaca 50 35 40
3. 100 40 50

Table 3: Anthelmintic activity of curcuma longa.

Sr. No. Drug Concentration Time taken for Time taken for
(mg/ml) paralysis (mins) death (mins)
1. Curcuma 1 30 45
2. longa 2.5 20 36
3. 5 10 22
4. 10 15 28

Table 4: Anthelmintic activity of zingiber officinale.

Sr. No. Drug Concentration Time taken for Time taken for
(mg/ml) paralysis (mins) death (mins)
1. Zingiber 5 45 60
2. officinale 10 30 40
3. 15 25 35

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Table 5: Anthelmintic activity in distilled water.

Sr. No. Drug Time taken for paralysis Time taken for death
1. Distilled water -- --

Table 6: Formulation of different batches of syrup.

Sr. No. Ingredients Batches
F1 F2 F3
1. Musa paradisiaca 25 mg/ml 50 mg/ml 100 mg/ml
2. Curcuma longa 2.5 mg/ml 5 mg/ml 10 mg/ml
3. Zingiber officinale 5 ml 10 ml 15 ml
4. Propyl paraben 0.1 gm 0.1 gm 0.1 gm
5. Methyl paraben 0.1 gm 0.1 gm 0.1 gm
6. Distilled water q.s. q.s q.s.

Table 7: Anthelmintic activity of prepared batches.

Sr. No. BatchesTime taken for Time taken for
paralysis (mins) death (mins)
1. F1 20 30
2. F2 5 15
3. F3 12 90
So, F2 batch was selected to formulate Polyherbal Anthelmintic Syrup.

Table 8: Formulation table.

Sr. No. Ingredients Quantity
1. Musa paradisiaca 50 mg/ml
2. Curcuma longa 5 mg/ml
3. Zingiber officinale 10 ml
4. Methyl paraben 0.1 gm
5. Propyl paraben 0.1 gm
6. Distilled water q.s.

Table 9: Anthelmintic activity of final formulation.

Sr. No. Drug Time taken for Time taken for death
paralysis (mins) (mins)
1. Polyherbal 5 15
Anthelmintic Syrup

Table 10: Evaluation of organoleptic property.

Sr. No. Test Observation
1. Colour Dark green
2. Odour Agreeable
3. Taste Sweet

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Table 11: Results.

Sr. No. Test Result
1. Organoleptic properties Passable
2. Density 1.308 kg/m3
3. Viscosity 2.492 pa.s
4. pH 6.3
5. Accelerated stability studies Stable at accelerated temperature
6. Freeze and thaw studies No precipitation and turbidity
7. Crystal growth No crystal growth
8. Consistency Clear solution,
Absence of solid particles

Fig. 1: Anthelmintic activity of different concentrations of Albendazole.

Fig. 2: Anthelmintic activity of different concentrations of Musa paradisiaca.

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Fig. 3: Anthelmintic activity of different concentrations of curcuma longa.

Fig. 4: Anthelmintic activity of different concentrations of zingiber officinale.

Fig. 5: Anthelmintic activity in distilled water.

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Shaikh et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Fig. 6: Anthelmintic activity in formulation batch F1.

Fig. 7: Anthelmintic activity in formulation batch F2.

Fig. 8: Anthelmintic activity in formulation batch F3.

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Shaikh et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Fig. 9: Anthelmintic activity in formulated polyherbal anthelmintic syrup.

CONCLUSION
Musa paradisiaca, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale have proved to be effective natural
remedy against helminthiasis. The herbal syrup prepared from combination of these three
herbs was effective more than the standard Albendazole and also its shows synergistic effect.
As these have exhibited potency in a very low concentration so they provide a safer, effective
and easily available Anthelmintic remedy.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors would like to thank Principal and Vice-Principal of Satara College of Pharmacy,
Satara, for providing required facilities to carry out this research work.

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