Characterization, organoleptic evaluation and standardization of aqueous extracts of antidiabetic herbs Trigonella foenum, Allium sativum, Aloe vera, Phyllanthus niruri (Only Abstract)

Abstract

Background and Aim: Trigonella foenum (Methi), Allium sativum (Lashuna), Aloe vera (Kumari), and Phyllanthus niruri (Bhumyamalaki) are well known antidiabetic herbs. The present study describes the standardization of the aqueous extracts of these herbs using parameters mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Methods: Aqueous extraction of drugs was carried out either by boiling their coarse powder in water or by subjecting their aqueous dispersion to agitation for 12- 48 h based on solubility and nature of phytoconstituents of drugs. Further, they were characterized for physicochemical and microbiological parameters including the test for specific pathogens such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Results: The physicochemical and microbial parameters of all four herbs, T. foenum, A. sativum, A. vera, and P. niruri were found within the pharmacopeial limits of foreign matter, loss on drying, ash values, and extractive values. Moreover, physicochemical and microbial parameters of their extracts were also found to be within the limits prescribed by API. Conclusion: In this study, aqueous extracts of four crude herbs possessing antidiabetic activity, i.e. T. foenum, A. sativum, A. vera, and P. niruri were thoroughly investigated for their organoleptic characters, physicochemical parameters, and microbiological standards for their quality and safety.