Development and Evaluation of Ayurvedic Polyherbal Pharmaceutical Excipients for Taste and Odor Masking in Oral Dosage Forms Using Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha arvensis, and Elettaria cardamomum

The present research focused on the development and evaluation of polyherbal pharmaceutical excipients derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum vulgare, Mentha arvensis, and Elettaria cardamomum to mask taste and odor in oral dosage forms. Individual plant materials were powdered, sieved, and extracted using aqueous and ethanolic solvents. The extracts were combined with the powders to formulate polyherbal excipients, which were characterized for organoleptic, physicochemical, and compatibility properties. The excipients exhibited favorable color, aroma, sweetness, and cooling sensation, while FTIR analysis confirmed no chemical interactions among constituents. Incorporation into model paracetamol tablets demonstrated effective bitterness masking, acceptable hardness, low friability, and rapid disintegration. Stability studies over three months indicated retention of sensory and functional attributes, confirming the suitability of the excipients for oral formulations. The findings suggest that the developed polyherbal excipients can serve as natural, safe, and patient-friendly alternatives to synthetic taste-masking agents, enhancing patient compliance and acceptability of bitter oral medications. This study provides a foundation for further formulation development and industrial application of Ayurvedic excipients in pharmaceutical preparations.