Formulation And Evaluation of Polyherbal Antitussive Cough Syrup

The current study is centered on the development and scientific evaluation of a polyherbal antitussive cough syrup formulated using multiple medicinal herbs with established ethnomedicinal use in respiratory disorders. The growing resistance to synthetic drugs and their associated side effects, such as sedation and gastrointestinal discomfort, have driven increased interest in herbal remedies. The plants selected for this formulation—Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Adhatoda vasica (Vasaka), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), and Syzygium aromaticum (Clove)—are known for their expectorant, soothing, bronchodilatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. The extraction was carried out through the cold maceration process to preserve the thermolabile phytoconstituents. The concentrated aqueous extracts were then blended into a syrup base using honey and glycerine, with methyl and propyl parabens added to maintain microbial stability. The syrup was evaluated for key physicochemical properties including appearance, pH, viscosity, microbial load, and organoleptic characteristics. Additionally, the formulation was tested for antitussive activity using a citric acid-induced cough model in guinea pigs, showing significant suppression of cough frequency.