Herbal Pediatric Edible Jelly for Cough

The increasing demand for natural, safe, and child-friendly pharmaceutical alternatives has led to the exploration of innovative drug delivery systems. This review highlights the formulation, development, and evaluation of a herbal pediatric edible jelly for effective cough management. Designed to enhance palatability and patient compliance, the jelly incorporates well-established herbal ingredients—Tulsi, Vasaka, Licorice, Ginger, and Honey—known for their antitussive, expectorant, demulcent, and soothing properties. To ensure a stable and appealing formulation, pectin and gelatin were employed as gelling agents, with sorbitol and sucrose enhancing sweetness and acceptability. The formulation underwent optimization trials, focusing on ideal consistency, flavor, and therapeutic efficacy. Comprehensive evaluation included assessments of organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, syneresis, microbial stability, and drug content uniformity. Stability studies, conducted per ICH guidelines, confirmed the jelly’s robustness under varied conditions. In vitro tests demonstrated significant antitussive and expectorant activity, validating its therapeutic potential. Importantly, the jelly contains no synthetic preservatives or artificial additives, making it a safe, natural alternative to conventional pediatric cough syrups. In summary, this herbal jelly offers a novel, effective, and child-friendly dosage form, combining the benefits of traditional herbal medicine with modern pharmaceutical technology.