Preparation and Evaluation of Herbal Cough Lozenges: Corid-Cough Pearls

Traditional Indian system of medicine has different herb- based formulations to cure different aliments. Soreness of throat and cough are painful condition in throat infection. The soothing agents like cough syrup and lozenges can give symptomatic relief. Ayurveda reveals use of herbs such as Khadira (Acacia catechu), Javitri (Myristicafragrans), Kankol (Piper cubeba), Pomegranate rind (Punica granatum), Karpura (Cinnamomumcamphora) etc, as soothing agents in soreness of throat. Current research project was aimed at development and evaluation of polyherbal cough lozenges containing these herbs using natural excipients. Thoroughly dried and finely powdered herbs such as Khadira (Acacia catechu), Javitri (Myristica fragrans), Kankol (Piper cubeba) and Pomegranate rind (Punica granatum) mixed together homogeneously and Clove oil was added to it. The homogeneous mass was dispersed in molten mass of jaggery base. The prepared mixture was then poured in moulds to get desired shape. Prepared formulation was further evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, weight variation and other pharmacopoeial parameters.Oval shaped, brown coloured sweet lozenges with average weight of 1.5gm were prepared and foundto be as per standards laid down in the Pharmacopoeia. The lozenges were presented under brand name Corid-cough pearls. The prepared cough lozenges „Corid-cough pearls‟ can be used for treatment of initial stages of cough and throat infection.