Proximate Composition and Functional Enhancement of Panjiri through Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) Stem Supplementation

The present investigation was carried out to develop and standardize value added panjiri by incorporating giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) stem powder at varying concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 per cent. Traditional panjiri, a nutrient-dense Indian sweet prepared using wheat flour, ghee, sugar, dry fruits, and aromatic spices, holds cultural and medicinal significance, particularly during the winter season and for lactating mothers. In this study, giloy stem powder—renowned in ayurveda for its therapeutic properties—was selected for its rich bioactive profile and high medicinal value, especially concentrated in the stem. The present study aim was to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of panjiri through herbal supplementation. Among the three supplemented formulations, Type-I panjiri containing 5 per cent giloy stem powder was found to be the most organoleptically acceptable. The proximate composition of this formulation revealed moisture content of 2.82 per cent, crude protein 5.84 per cent, crude fat 24.16 per cent, crude fibre 1.73 per cent, and ash content 2.51 per cent. The findings suggest that incorporating medicinal plant extracts such as giloy into traditional foods can improve both their therapeutic potential and nutritional profile, offering a novel approach to functional food development.