PLANT-DERIVED IMMUNOACTIVE JELLIES: FORMULATION STRATEGIES, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATIONS

Plant-derived immuno-active jellies have gained increasing attention as innovative, palatable, and patient-friendly delivery systems for immune-supporting bioactive compounds. These semi-solid formulations integrate medicinal plant extracts with functional gelling matrices, offering improved acceptability, especially for pediatric, geriatric, and nutraceutical applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of formulation strategies, characterization techniques, and applications of immune-boosting jelly formulations developed from plant sources. Various medicinal plants with established immunomodulatory potential, including Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Emblica officinalis, and Aloe vera, are discussed in relation to their phytochemical constituents and mechanisms of immune enhancement. Different types of jelly formulations—such as gelatin-based, pectin-based, agar-based, and sugar-free or functional polymer-based systems—are highlighted with respect to their formulation suitability and performance. Key formulation considerations, including the selection of gelling agents, sweeteners, preservatives, and strategies to enhance stability and bioavailability, are critically examined. The review also summarizes essential physicochemical and biological characterization parameters, including organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, texture profile, content uniformity, stability, and in vitro release behaviour. Furthermore, the therapeutic and commercial applications of plant-derived immunoactive jellies in immune support, preventive healthcare, and functional foods are explored. Overall, this review emphasizes the potential of immunoactive jelly formulations as effective and consumer-acceptable platforms for immune enhancement and highlights future perspectives for their development and clinical translation.