PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, AND QUALITY STANDARDIZATION OF A POLYHERBAL UNANI FORMULATION FOR GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH

Background: Polyherbal formulations are an important component of Unani medicine and may provide complementary effects through the combined phytochemical properties of multiple medicinal plants. However, systematic phytochemical profiling and quality standardization are essential to ensure consistency, safety, and reproducibility. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the preliminary phytochemical profile, Quality Standardization, and stability of a polyherbal Unani formulation developed for gastrointestinal health. Methods: The formulation contained Aegle marmelos, Syzygium cumini, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia bellirica, Rosa damascena, Trachyspermum ammi, Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Plantago ovata husk, and Cassia angustifolia. Methanolic, aqueous, and chloroform extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. The finished formulation was evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, moisture content, ash values, extractive values, pH, swelling index, bulk density, microbial contamination, pesticide residues, and preliminary stability. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and steroids in different extracts. The formulation showed a brown, homogeneous appearance with characteristic aromatic odour and astringent/spicy taste. Moisture content was 6.23%, total ash 8.62%, acid-insoluble ash 1.27%, alcohol-soluble extractive 18.72%, and water-soluble extractive 24.36%. The pH was 5.86, swelling index 8.40 mL/g, and bulk density 0.80 g/mL. Microbial contamination and pesticide residues complied with the applicable specifications. Preliminary six-month stability assessment demonstrated retention of acceptable organoleptic, physicochemical, and microbiological characteristics. Conclusion: The formulation demonstrated a diverse phytochemical profile and satisfactory preliminary quality characteristics. Further HPTLC/HPLC fingerprinting, quantitative marker analysis, extended stability studies, and pharmacological and clinical investigations are warranted to establish comprehensive standardization, safety, and therapeutic efficacy.