DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND EVALUATION OF MEDICATED LOZENGES OF SOMLATA (EPHEDRA GERARDIANA) FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Somlata (Ephedra gerardiana) is a potent Ayurvedic herb known for its bronchodilatory effects due to the presence of ephedrine alkaloids. The objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate medicated lozenges containing Somlata extract to provide a slowrelease, palatable dosage form suitable for both pediatric and geriatric patients. Lozenges were prepared using the heating and congealing method with a sucrose-corn syrup base. Various formulations (F1-F6) were developed by varying the concentration of polymers (HPMC K4M and Methylcellulose) to control the drug release. The prepared lozenges were evaluated for physical parameters, drug content uniformity, moisture content, in-vitro dissolution, and stability. Results indicated that formulation F4, containing 2% HPMC K4M, exhibited an ideal drug release profile (98.5% over 30 minutes) and excellent organoleptic properties. In-vivo studies on histamine-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs showed a significant (p<0.01) increase in pre-convulsion dyspnea time, confirming the anti-asthmatic efficacy of the formulated lozenges.