. FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HARD HERBAL LICORICE LOZENGES USING LICORICE POWDER :A NATURAL APPROACH TO SOOTHING SORE THROAT INFECTION , HEARTBURN AND DIGESTION

Abstract:Herbal remedies have been integral to traditional medicine systems for centuries, revered fortheir multifaceted therapeutic efficacy, favourable safety profiles, and alignment with holistichealth approaches. These natural formulations are increasingly gaining global recognition ascomplementary or alternative options to conventional pharmaceuticals. Among the diverserange of medicinal plants, Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as liquorice, occupies aprominent position due to its extensive pharmacological profile. This plant-derived substance is well-documented in scientific and ethnopharmacological literature for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, demulcent, and gastroprotective effects. Such properties make liquorice particularly valuable in the management of conditions involving mucosal irritationand inflammation, such as sore throat and gastrointestinal discomfort.The current study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of hard herbal lozengesincorporating liquorice powder as the primary active ingredient. These lozenges are designedto offer a convenient, patient-friendly dosage form that enables slow dissolution andprolonged contact of the herbal actives with the mucosal surfaces, thereby enhancingtherapeutic efficacy. The aim of the study is to develop a natural, safe, and palatable deliverysystem that addresses common ailments such as throat irritation, acid reflux, and milddigestive disturbances, while promoting the integration of traditional herbal medicine intomodern pharmaceutical dosage forms.